In the February newsletter, local nonprofit organization Rebuilding Hope shines a spotlight on a volunteer whose creativity adds a special touch to the work that goes into building wheelchair ramps and other home repair projects across the area.
Van Splinter makes wooden crosses, which the Rebuilding Hope volunteers have been distributing when they’ve gone out into the community to do their work.
“From the beginning of the ministry we’ve presented a Bible,” Rebuilding Hope coordinator Randolph Wilson said in the newsletter story. “The generosity of Van Splinter has added greatly to the ministry.”
Splinter, himself retired from his job in construction, said he heard about Rebuilding Hope and its mission when Wilson came and spoke at Splinter’s church, Rock Spring Baptist Church, in Townsville.
He estimates that he’s given away as many as 500 of his hand-crafted crosses, each about a foot tall, and he keeps a good supply in his truck to give away. He’s also made a smaller version for each active member of his church.
The crosses are made from scrap lumber, but he also makes flags, serving trays, cutting boards and more that he sells. He puts all his proceeds from sales of those items toward buying more materials.
You can find Splinter most Saturdays at his roadside stand in Townsville.
Learn more about Rebuilding Hope at www.Rebuildinghopeinc.org.
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