The Book of James promises that the fervent prayer of arighteous man availeth much.

With hard times abounding for the Habitat for Humanity ofLincoln County, its leaders are hoping to get as many righteous menpraying for them as possible.

The home-erecting organization is calling for congregationscountywide to remember it when heads are bowed and eyes are closedthis Sunday, the International Day of Prayer and Action for HumanHabitat. Habitat’s prayer day has been ongoing since 1983, when thethird Sunday in September was designated as such to keep minds andhearts focused on those in need of shelter.

This year, the local chapter needs those prayers more than everbefore.

“We’ve got to have people involved, and we just don’t havethat,” said Viola Cupit, chairman of the chapter’s Support andSelection Committee. “Our board has dwindled down to almostnothing. The ones we’ve had that have been so active have gotten upin age and poor health. We need some young blood, is what weneed.”

Cupit said Habitat has been unable to recruit volunteers for itsChristian mission to build new homes for needy families, andprogress has ground to halt. The organization strives to raise twonew houses each year, she said, but the average time per projectnow stands at between eight and 14 months.

In fact, Habitat has built only one house over the past twoyears. Its last job, a 1,250 square-foot house at 407 Grenn St.,was completed last fall.

But the next project has been on hold since last June, with adesignated family standing by. With work yet to begin, Cupit said2009 would pass by with no new Habitat house constructed.

With the crippling shortage of volunteers, Cupit said the grouphas not even been able to hold its annual fish fry fundraiser.

In order to become eligible to receive a Habitat house, anapplicant must display a need, be able to pay the monthly note onthe new home and pledge to stay involved with the organization.Cupit said recent house recipients have met the first two criteria,but only three former recipients remain active in Habitat.

“Usually, the most volunteers show up on the day we do theframing,” she said. “We might get 20 or 30. After that, it dwindlesoff, and when you get to the tedious work on the inside, it getsdown to one.”

Cupit said board members are hoping Sunday’s prayers will driveup participation from churchgoers, a group Habitat has alwaysrelied on.

“This prayer day is really to get the name, ‘Habitat,’ out therebefore the people, to bring their attention to it and help themrealize we need their prayers, but we also need their help,” shesaid. “So many churches go on missions to other states andcountries, and that’s great, but we also have a mission right herein our home – a need for these people in poor housing.”

People interested in volunteering for the Habitat for Humanityof Lincoln County may call the organization’s office at601-823-4061. Cupit said volunteers for the worksite must be 18 orolder, though younger volunteers could assist with lighter work ifsupervised. Construction experience helps, but is not necessary,she said.

The local Habitat chapter has built 11 homes for needy citizenssince being founded in 1996. It needs help to build No. 12.

“We’re praying for Habitat and all the houses we can build, andencouraging people to help us build more,” said board member JosieHightower. “And to keep us encouraged, keep us on the minds ofpeople in America and around the world.”