Cape Coral-based A Life in Christ Church is teaming up with Miami First Church of the Brethren to bring some help to Haiti.
Working in conjunction with non-profit group Homes for Haiti, the two groups are trying to raise $10,000, with A Life in Christ hosting a benefit concert this Friday.
The $10,000 will help to build two new homes in the northwest region of Haiti for two very needy families.
A Life in Christ Pastor and recording artist Leah J said the goal for Homes in Haiti is to build 100 new homes.
She said after devastating hurricanes laid waste to much of the northwestern region of the island in 2008, Homes for Haiti set out to rebuild new homes for haitians.
“The goal is to rebuild 100 new homes that are much stronger,” she said. “Each home costs $4,000, and they have built 87 since 2008.”
The 2010 earthquake that killed thousands of people is not involved in the fund-raising efforts, according to Leah J.
She said the earthquake affected much of Haiti’s southern region, and that Homes for Haiti is rebuilding in a different region.
She said the earthquakes have not had an affect on the Homes for Haiti project.
“None of the homes were destroyed by the earthquake. They (Homes for Haiti) are still on the way to fulfilling their goal,” Leah J said.
A Life In Christ Church has held the Easter sunrise service at the Cape Coral Yacht Club for a number of years.
The church recently sold its property where their church was housed, and decided to take a different approach to community outreach.
Through that effort the Cuppa Life Cafe and Deli opened this year, and acts as a ministry outreach post and thriving business.
Cuppa Life, located in the Del Prado Mall, serves coffee drinks, sandwiches, snacks, pastries and more.
It also serves as A Life in Christ’s church.
Leah J said that as the numbers of the congregation contracted to roughly 20, it was time to do something different. Thus, Cuppa Life was born, and A Life in Christ began its “less traditional” outreach.
“We felt we could be more effective by creating an environment that would open our doors to anybody in the community,” she said. “It’s been wonderful. Every day new people are coming, and some are just customers and that’s OK. And then there are some who are finding a place where they can have a meal, but we offer more … we have a joy and we want to share that with people.”
Leah J said Miami First Church of the Brethren has raised over $4,000 toward the goal through several fund-raisers.
She added that Friday’s concert will be A Life in Christ’s major push for the cause, so she’s urging any and everyone in the community to attend.
Leah J and Jan Martinez will perform live original Christian pop music, and contemporary Christian pop songs.
Admission is free, though the coffee shop will be open, and donations are accepted.
“People can come and go as they choose. This is a family friendly event,” Leah J. said. “The music will go on for three straight hours. With a few breaks, of course.”
The concert is Friday, Aug. 27, from 7-10 p.m., at Cuppa Life, 1404 Del Prado Blvd.
For more information on the benefit concert at Cuppa Life visit A Life in Christ’s website at havealifeinchrist.com, or call 772-0800, or 574-3511.
Or to learn more about the efforts of “Homes for Haiti” visit homesforhaiti.org.