Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln County and Topisaw BaptistChurch are pairing up to make another family’s dream come true thisyear.

A ground breaking ceremony for the fourth Habitat house built bythe county affiliate is planned for 6 p.m. Thursday at the housesite on Kinder Trail, which is just off Mallalieu Drive.

Members of Topisaw Baptist Church will join with Habitat tobuild the house, which will be purchased by James and StephanieVarnado and their sons, Jeffrey and Jackie.

This is the first such partnership between the Christian housingministry and a local church. according to Nanette Laster, Habitatpresident.

“We’ve had some good support from some churches here,” she said,”but this is the first time a church has stepped forward with theoffer to do all the construction.”

The project is also another first, Laster said, noting thatHabitat’s other three houses are all within the city limits ofBrookhaven.

“We appreciate what Topisaw church is doing, and Habitat hopesother churches will follow their lead,” she said.

The church also purchased the land for the new house, accordingto the pastor, the Rev. David Moree.

“The church bought the land, and we’re going to supply thelabor. Habitat will supply the funding,” Moree said.

Members of the church have helped to build houses for a numberof families in the county who have lost their homes to fire overthe years.

The Varnados are members of Topisaw Baptist Church. They arecurrently renting a house in the area.

“They’re excited about it, and we’re excited about helpingthem,” said Moree. “We’re ready to get started. Hopefully in thenext couple weeks we’ll start on the foundation.”

Habitat officials said the public is invited to attend theceremony Thursday.

“Anyone who wants to come to the ground breaking, we’dappreciate it. It’s a good opportunity to learn about Habitat,”said Roberta Johnston, executive director of the countyaffiliate.

Habitat, an international ministry, builds homes for families inneed. The homes are sold to the families through no-interest loans,and the money paid to Habitat is used to construct otherhouses.

Anyone wanting to volunteer or donate can call Habitat forHumanity of Lincoln County at 823-4061.