“Feel Good Friday” – Donut Dash for a Cause ~ by Lisa Leluga Juergens. Photos by Marcy Jamrok
On Saturday, February 16th, Hometown Happenings gathered the community not only for a brisk run, sweet treats and lots of laughs, but an opportunity to give back. In part, this event supported Sam and Shella Lopez along in their journey to their new home through the help of Habitat for Humanity. Their pastor, Charlie Arms of Momentum Church, describes them as “a very deserving, and good-hearted family”.
It is was a fun filled morning with those who braved the cold, and a big 
part of that fun included a chance to meet and talk with the Lopez family. Sam, a Navy veteran, graphic artist, photographer and bass player showed nothing but appreciation for the event and the assistance that Momentum Church and Habitat for Humanity has given his family. His face lit up when I asked him about how the house was coming along and you could hear the excitement and gratitude in his voice. He told of a time when he became very ill and how, with the help of Pastor Charlie and his family, he is back on his feet playing bass once again. Sam also introduced me to Penny of Habitat for Humanity and explained that she is their “amazing” advisor through the process.
It became clear, that the feeling was mutual. Penny couldn’t say enough about how dedicated and hard-working both Sam and Shella have been through each step of the process. She explained that, contrary to some beliefs, Habitat does not give out “free” homes. While they do provide assistance in other ways, there is much work involved by the applicant(s), including 300 “sweat” hours toward fixing up their home. You couldn’t help but see her pride when she smiled and said she believed both Sam and Shella would probably have about 1000 hours in when all was said and done.
I also had the opportunity to talk to Shella and realized quickly that the concept of “new home” held much more 
meaning than the brick and mortar building they had been working on for months. Originally from the Philippines, Shella recently took her citizenship test and, after much studying and the support of her husband, she is officially a United States citizen. While she is still adjusting to the different culture, and a much different food selection, she is beyond grateful for this new chapter in her life. Along with her husband, new baby and wonderful in-laws who live close by, Shella thinks of Momentum Church as part of the family, too. Church members have been there for her when she has needed it most.
There was an underlying theme of family I couldn’t help but feel as I spoke with all who were involved with this cause. This feeling was echoed in my conversation with Pastor Charlie of Momentum Church. A 28-year minister and native to east Tennessee, he recently experienced a 100 degree shift in temperatures after moving to the region from Florida. Pastor Charlie was more than welcoming when approached about using Momentum Church as the Donut Dash venue.
In conversation after the event, Pastor Charlie explained that, while Momentum has been established for 4 years in the Crown Point area, they only recently merged with their Schererville location into the 18,000 square foot building off of Main Street this past year. Hosting non-denominational, Christian based worship gatherings on Sundays at 9:00 and 10:45 a.m., Discipleship on Wednesdays at 6:30 and a variety of community events, including Christian music concerts (check out their Facebook page for the March 30th event), Momentum is a place according to all I’ve talked to, “where everyone is welcome”.
It was a pleasure meeting this wonderful group of people who underscored the true meaning of family, a bond formed from kindness, faith, support and love no matter where you come from and no matter where you’re going.
Hometown Happenings was honored to take part in such a great cause, and we wish Sam and Shella much luck in their new chapter and look forward to the pictures of their new home this coming spring/summer. Also, one more thank you to Pastor Charlie and Momentum Church for inviting us into your “home”, sharing your story and giving us the opportunity to meet your family.
Keep sprinkling the good and check back every Friday for Hometown Happenings’ “Feel Good” stories!