Servant’s Heart - Why Sam volunteers with us

For Sam Grace, getting older does not stop him from volunteering and helping others regularly. He’s 79 and does not stop moving. 

Sam has owned his own construction company since the 1970s and has expertise in demolition, renovations and building. I met Sam over a decade ago when we were both serving at Calvary Chapel. 

Before Greenhouse Project had even really started Pastor Bob from Calvary Chapel had asked him to connect with me because of his construction background. When we bought our first house for Greenhouse Project Sam offered to take the lead of the major renovations. 

We had to completely redo and replace everything to make it possible to use the building for ministry. It took about a year to renovate the building that is now our headquarters. 

His expertise in the construction field has made him invaluable. He knows the best contractors to call and has even been able to find volunteers to help out as well. If we ever have a problem with maintenance we can call him and he will pick up the phone and help us out. 

Sam’s daughter, Samantha, has a lot to say about how caring her father is. “He just has the biggest heart for people. In his own business he’s always helping people. Giving them opportunities. He’s always very servant hearted. He is probably the most generous person I know.”

Sam has been serving in a professional capacity with us for the last six years. Right now he’s working with us on renovating another house. And yet with all the countless hours he has poured into Greenhouse Project he has never charged us a dime for any of his labor. He has even donated supplies from his company as well.  

Samantha also said, “I think that he’s super grateful for what the Lord has done in our lives. When you are changed by the Lord you certainly have a different heart. Your heart is filled with love for people.”

We are so grateful and blessed to have Sam give his time to us so willingly. 

Sam “I think the ministry does a good job. I know when getting something done and I see the guys moving into the [recovery houses] it feels pretty good to know you’re helping people who are struggling. When I see that it makes it all worth it.”

One time I called Sam and told him “I think we should pay you for your supplies and your services.” You know what he said? He told me he volunteered because he was doing it for the church and believed in the outcomes of the ministry at Greenhouse Project.

The fact that we have been able to launch our church services, community cleanups, homework club, and everything else we do can all go back to Sam getting our facilities usable and pouring himself into the work here. He’s touched and shaped all the rooms and areas in our buildings.

Why has he invested so much time supporting our ministry? Sam said, “I feel like it's something God has told me to do, it’s helping people that need help. As long as I’m capable of doing it I feel like I should do it.”

Sam is happily married with two kids and five grandchildren. He still owns his own company and works hard. He has such an excellent work ethic and mentality toward serving others.

We're beyond blessed to have a godly man like Sam helping to further this ministry. We are so thankful for him. We can’t pay him back but we are thankful to God for his servant's heart.

If you are looking for a contractor and want to connect with Sam, please email him at sgsamgrace@gmail.com. We highly recommend him!