An artists rendering of the site plan and future buildings.
By Fred Comella
“My kid will probably stick me in a home.” I think we have all heard our parents make this joke in conversation or at the card table on a Friday night while growing up. Regrettably, neither of my parents lived long enough for me to even ponder that question. Nonetheless, this life is in many ways like a hill, at either foot of which we are most vulnerable. As young children we are daring and less cognizant of our own human frailties. But as we age and experience all that stuff on the rest of the hill, the journey’s end is something quite different. The confusion over what will become of us is ever present, and many elderly experience great anxiety concerning the loss of control over events in their lives. A trip to any nursing home or long term care facility will make any feeling person contemplate the twilight of their own life and what, (for good or bad) it might be like. For Pastor Jose Moniz, these thoughts were brought on him by the Lord many years ago.
Some of you may remember an article I wrote about Jane Carvalho and her spiritual journey to missionary work India. If so you would have recalled that Pastor Moniz was also part of that article as he made the trip abroad with Jane and others to spread the Word of Christ. It is not surprising to me then, that this man of God has a heart swelled for humanity. Even before he became a Pastor and went on to watch over Pentecostal Assembly in New Bedford MA, God came to him and told him he should build a place for the aged where they might keep their dignity and independence, living out their years in the most respectful, decent and happy way possible. For more than 20 years Pastor Moniz reflected on the Lords instructions to him, knowing all the while that it would only come to pass in (His) time.
Pastor Jose Moniz, Gene Costa and Architect John M. Robinson
I spoke with Pastor Moniz and two of his brothers in the Lord recently and they recounted a story of faith and hope that is sure to bring joy to your heart as you read on. While going about his many responsibilities one day in 2001, the good Pastor found himself traveling on Route 140 just outside of New Bedford when he noticed a sign advertising a 95 acre parcel of land for sale nearby. It was at that moment he told me, the Lord spoke to him and said he would buy this land and build what his heart had been telling him too for more than two decades. Without thought for finances or the means by which he would accomplish this monumental task, Pastor Moniz set about his “mission”. The property was landlocked and the attorneys who owned it knew this. They offered the land for $150,000.00 as is, but eventually sold it to the Church for $80,000.00 “without negotiations”, and carried $40,000.00 of that final price as a mortgage no less. Now I have had some dealings with lawyers in my day, and let me say with all due respect to a noble and necessary profession, this is not an outcome I would have imagined. God at work changing lives? I would have to say yes. Moreover, and during the years that passed, hardened hearts were softened and events which could not possibly be interpreted as coincidence, would lead to the sale of two pieces of adjacent property which had prevented access, one of which is now rented as a means to offset the cost of ownership. The first doors had been opened, and in the eyes of this “Christian in training”, the chain of events that followed would be nothing short of a miracle.
Faith is not an issue for Pastor Jose Moniz to be sure. A few moments in his presence and that faith is almost palpable. With that said he is also human, and the many questions of how he would possibly build and support a long term care facility for the elderly brought about added prayers for the Lord’s guidance. Enter John M. Robinson, professional Architect/Engineer, and owner of (Robinson Design Incorporated) out of Smithfield RI. A communicant of Pentecostal Assembly, Robinson had known Pastor Moniz for many years and was referred to his church by way of a mutual friend, Pastor Bob Bernier of Christian Life Church in Rehoboth, MA, also an architect. In fact Robinson is actually a designer of nursing and long term care facilities. His related architectural and finished work have been highlighted and hailed by graduate programs and in text books at architectural universities in the U.S. and abroad, and are models for modern long term care facility planning, development and construction. An accomplished and successful man in his field, Robinson also stepped forward having cared for his terminally ill wife, understanding full well the rigors associated with long term care and the subsequent impact on families and institutions. He would join his life’s experiences and talent with the dream and faith based ambitions of Pastor Moniz, and together they would pray for the way forward. Another door opened?
I spoke at length with John about the bureaucratic maze that often confronts projects such as these, and I was amazed and frankly excited to hear of the municipal and state cooperation, as well as the understanding he had received thus far in the endeavor which had now become “Lambs Village”. And while there are many hurdles and much that must be navigated in terms of realizing the facility itself, there seems a force driving the project, methodical not with haste, straightforward and guided by patience and prayer. John continued that he and Pastor Moniz envisioned a more personal “apartment” style of elderly living through the various stages of care, which would be designed not only for the utmost in professional attention as needed, but also emphasizing a level of independence, privacy and dignity not afforded by traditional facilities. This “style” is a hallmark of Robinson’s design approach. The design drawings themselves were nothing short of impressive. Throughout our conversation, the “intrigued reporter” in me kept asking for dates certain for completion, to which Pastor Moniz and John both repeatedly reminded me that everything that had happened, and that would happen, would be on (His) time table and according to (His) will. More doors opened…
Logistics for a project of this size are daunting to say the least. John moved with professional ease through his set of plans and documents showing me how issues which might have otherwise been insurmountable, like access to the appropriate water pressure and sewer facilities, as well as electrical power mechanisms in place to facilitate industrial size air conditioning systems, were already present or close to this parcel of land Pastor Jose Moniz “happened upon”? Many of the related distribution businesses have already approached the project with offers of service.
Clearing the site for building.
In terms of land clearing and site management the roadblocks were also as big as the trees I saw when I visited with Pastor Moniz and John at the project location. Enter another church member Gene Costa whom I spoke with during the interview for this article. Again you may also remember Gene as Jane Carvalho’s husband. He was also a part of my article highlighting the mission to India and he made the trip with Jane and Pastor Moniz as well. Turns out, Gene owns his own business as well, (New Beginnings Landscape, design and Construction) out of Freetown MA. Are you starting to see a pattern here? Bringing his own equipment to bear, free of charge against the undeveloped land of “Lambs Village”, Gene also volunteered his expertise to help purchase an industrial size excavator which has allowed for some serious land moving on site. As we talked more about the monumental task of prepping raw land for construction, I could hear Pastor Moniz in quiet prayer behind me, thanking God for these truly incredible blessings. Talent and energy, cooperation and equipment are forming the glue that will bind this mission. It is plain to see and remarkable to witness.
Finding our “life’s mission” is often a mission unto itself. We are hindered not only by perceived timelines, but fear of the unknown. Trusting in God to take the wheel is difficult, I know. In any event, it is no small wonder that I find myself yet again in the presence of folks who have removed these barriers and are following their hearts to the truth. In doing so they will fulfill what I believe is the most important and universal of all God’s hopes for us, and that is to step up and help our fellow man when we recognize the need (or when He shows us the need). Not because it is required or given as a path to Heaven, but because it is right. Inevitably, the reward is tangible and you don’t have to wait for it.
The “Lambs Village” project is ongoing and has no discernible end. There are plans for a church on site and a learning center, with daycare for staff and so many other worthy mentions they cannot be listed here for lack of space. Suffice it to say that one day, there will be a place that will bring a measure of joy and dignity to the lives of those who might otherwise never have known it in their later years. John recalled to me how it touched him deeply when he heard of elderly patients crying with happiness entering a new facility that he had developed because they had come from an older and more “traditional” nursing home setting and simply could not believe their eyes or good fortune.
Before I wrapped up with the Pastor and (His “team”), he thanked me for coming out to the site and asked if I had a family, and if he could pray for them, as well as for me, that I might be able to communicate the message “Lambs Village”. This was a first and I was unsteady for a moment. But as he grabbed my arm and we joined with Gene and John, I could sense the genuineness and truth in his heart. And as he prayed for my wife and son, I felt thankful, that for all the evil I have seen in my life, there were men such as these who walk in a different light, a good light. They are men who realize with certainty their efforts are not in vain and that they are merely instruments of His glory.
Pastor Moniz asked that I communicate to you how he needs your prayers. It is without question a huge source of strength to him. He is a man of faith who understands the power of prayer and that all glory is His in all things that we do. John and Gene ask for the obvious as they work to facilitate that which God has put upon Pastor Moniz and themselves. While the project is in its infancy, they are in need of skilled workers who might volunteer their time. The different stages will dictate that need, but it is great as you can imagine. Gene also asks that if you have equipment you may wish to donate, or allow to be used on site, that you contact him directly at 508-728-1119. As Pastor Moniz and John are obviously overwhelmed with their individual responsibilities as well and the legal and logistical aspects of the project, they ask that you direct any questions you may have to Jane Carvalho at 508-320-6054. This is an effort truly worthy of your prayers and assistance.
If I am learning anything as I grow older, it is obviously that our time on God’s earth is short. There is however a beginning, a middle and an end. Our experiences along the way define us and allow us to clarify and reconcile our lives on that hill. To that end, there is a voice inside all of us. Stop for a minute and listen, He will tell you what to do. He told Jose Moniz…
“Do not forsake small beginnings.”