For Emelina Molina, Dec. 28, 2024, was a day of devastation. A fire consumed her home, leaving her with nothing but the clothes on her back.
“That was an ugly feeling,” she recalled, sharing her story with News 5 Live “I run out and I went on the roadside and I watched that house blazing in fire… I cry out because I run out with one suit of clothes on my back and nothing on my feet.”
Faced with unimaginable loss, Emelina turned to faith and family for strength. Her brother, Philip Molina, encouraged her to keep going. “Let your heart be troubled,” he told her. “This is done. We’re going to start a new life all over, and the next chapter will begin.”
That next chapter arrived with a team of volunteers from the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, working in collaboration with Hand in Hand Ministries, who traveled to Belize to build Emelina a new home. Led by Sister Luke Boiarski, SCN, the group included nine women, most of whom were from the same family, dedicating their labor in memory of Sister Mary Patricia Brennan, a fellow Sister of Charity of Nazareth.
“In just one week, these women poured their hearts into this build,” Sister Luke said, adding it was one of the best volunteer experiences she had been on and she was grateful for the outpouring of support from volunteers and family members. “It’s a real community spirit here. I feel it. It’s very tangible.”
For days, the volunteers braved the heat, hammering, sawing, and assembling the walls of a new beginning. Each nail they drove into the wood symbolized more than just shelter — it was faith in action. Alongside the physical labor, they built relationships, sharing in Emelina’s journey and reaffirming the Catholic mission of serving the most vulnerable.
As she stepped into her new house, gratitude poured from Emelina’s heart.
“I got to thank each and every one who came out and helped me, and also my brother and the Good Lord. One door is closed, another one is open,” she said. “I get down on my knees and pray every day and night. I don’t know how to thank the Good Lord for it. And He answered my prayer.”
The news segment featuring Emelina’s story and the volunteers’ work can be viewed below:
Jimmy Carter’s spirit lives on. Thanks to your community, Luke, for sponsoring these projects.
Dear Luke,Congratulations! Your spirit is contagious as you have inspired these young volunteers.”In just one week these women poured out their hearts in to this build”.I.like that ! I am deeply grateful to you Luke for your amazing passion& commitment.My love to each of you.!
May God bless you dear Sr. Luke and your dedicated team for this act of charity.
Dear Luke,Congratulations! Your spirit is contagious as you have inspired these young volunteers.”In just one week these women poured out their hearts in to this build”.I.like that ! I am deeply grateful to you Luke for your amazing passion& commitment.My love to each of you.!
Dear Luke,Congratulations! Your spirit is contagious as you have inspired these young volunteers.”In just one week these women poured out their hearts in to this build”.I.like that ! I am deeply grateful to you Luke for your amazing passion& commitment.My love to each of you.!