Seven a momentous number

Millard Fuller would have turned 77 years old on 3 January. The number 7 abounds this year, fittingly because the number has such Biblical significance and because the Fuller Center for Housing is an ecumenical Christian ministry.

Not only would this have been the founder's 77th birthday, but this year the Fuller Center for Housing marks the 7th anniversary since Millard and Linda Fuller launched the ministry. Koinonia Farm, from which this ministry sprang, will mark its 70th anniversary.

So what better time to embark upon an effort to house 700 families in 700 days? This campaign is a supplement to the wonderful work our covenant partners already do across the United States and around the world.

Make a donation of $7, $77 or $777 in honor of Millard Fuller's 77th birthday and help us grow and further his dream of giving families a safe and decent home. http://fullercenter.org/donate Learn more about the Fuller Center for Housing’s powerful ministry: http://fullercenter.org/
“My good friend of 35 years, Millard Fuller, was a tremendous blessing to our family and along with his wife Linda and children Faith, Chris, Georgia and Kim—an inspiration to many,” said David Eastis.

Other fascinating connections among 7, Millard Fuller and our faith:

Clarence Jordan, founder of Koinonia Farms and close friend of Millard and Linda Fuller, was the middle of seven children.

Millard is spelled with 7 letters.

David Eastis worked with Millard Fuller to found the first 77 Campus Chapters of Habitat for Humanity. There are now over 1,000 chapters at colleges and high schools around the world.

The numeral 7 symbolizes spiritual perfection. King Solomon built the Temple in Israel during a 7-year period; it was dedicated to the glory of God in the 7th month and the festival lasted 7 days. There are 7 angels, 7 stars to represent the 7 churches of Asia and 7 sabbatical years, 7 years of plenty, 7 candles, 7 sisters, 7 spirits and 7 trumpets.

When Peter asked Jesus how many times we need to forgive others, Jesus replied, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy seven times”. Matthew 18:22

According to the Orthodox Study Bible, 777 represents the threefold perfection of the Trinity.

In Genesis, we learn the heavens and the earth were created in six days and God rested on the seventh, metaphorically. Lamech was 777 years old when he died. Luke chose 77 names back to "Adam, the son of God," and 70 to Enoch in his genealogy unto Jesus Christ (Luke 3:23-38).

These numbers, "7-times," "77-times," and "70 x 7," are found in the Old Testament, especially in Genesis and Daniel. In Daniel, following the same theme of forgiveness and reconciliation, we are presented with an important prophecy as to when the Messiah would come (Daniel 9). We are told that this would be fulfilled in "70 x 7" years.

The number seven has deep spiritual significance. It has been held sacred by the Hebrews and other Semite peoples since the dawn of time.

Levitical purifications take seven days. Naaman was commanded to dip seven times in the river Jordan. Elijah sent his servant seven times to look out for rain. The exile in Egypt lasted seven years. Samson’s wedding feast was seven days long. Ancient Jews were guided by seven Noahide laws – the seven laws of Noah. In days, weeks, months, years and millennia, Jews mark time around the number seven.

Jesus personified the 7 spiritual works of mercy: feed the hungry; give drink to the thirsty; welcome the stranger; clothe the naked; visit the sick; visit the prisoner; bury the dead.

Seven of the most powerful words spoken by Jesus: “I am the light of the world.” — John 8:12

Explore the magic and wonder of Seven: http://www.the7book.com/
View the 7 film by David Eastis: http://www.youtube.com/user/TheSevenBook
David Eastis author page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B002RH3RXQ

7-word quotes:

Decent homes for all of God’s children. Millard Fuller

A planned life can only be endured. Millard Fuller

A community must be based on love. Millard Fuller

...daybreak of freedom and brotherhood will come... Martin Luther
King. Jr. in a 1957 letter to Clarence Jordan of Koinonia, Americus,
Georgia

...a spirit of partnership with one another. Clarence Jordan

…may God’s peace rule in your hearts. Clarence Jordan

Where there is love there is life. Mahatma Gandhi

Success is not the key to happiness. Albert Schweitzer

May the Lord give you His peace. St. Francis

Perhaps I am stronger than I think. Thomas Merton

Be the living expression of God’s kindness. Mother Teresa

...that fire can truly light the world! John F. Kennedy

It always seems impossible until it’s done. Nelson Mandela

My humanity is bound up in yours... Desmond Tutu

Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Dalai Lama

Justice cannot be for one side alone... Eleanor Roosevelt

...ensuring the human rights of all peoples... Jimmy Carter

...the only solution is love...with community. Dorothy Day

...bring about a revolution of the heart... Dorothy Day

Never give in—never, never, never, never... Winston Churchill

Life is short. We can live better. Rev. Billy Graham

May everything come up sevens for you. David Eastis

Visit the 7 web site http://www.the7book.com/