There will be a dedication service Thursday, April 1, at 1:15 PM, for a large Christian sculpture in the middle of the donor wall of Global Village & Discovery Center, a 6-acre educational project in Americus, GA, sponsored by Habitat for Humanity International, which features 40 life-size houses representing different Habitat houses from around the world.

Although the sculpture has been dubbed, “The Great Commission”, The Americus sculpture is different from "Great Commissions" elsewhere, says Michelle Dalva, director of the Global Village & Discovery Center. It does not use the verse from Matthew 28:19-20.

The sculpture, by artist Max Greiner Jr., depicts a globe supported by two Bibles which features one Bible reading: "Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1), and "I was a stranger and you invited me in ... whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me -- Jesus Christ” (Matthew 25:35, 40).

The verses were chosen to reflect the mission of Habitat for Humanity. The second Bible has verses reading: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life -- Jesus Christ” (John 3:16), and "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away -- Jesus Christ” (Matthew 24:35).

It was donated to Habitat by President of Dallas Baptist University Dr. Gary Cook, who founded the first official campus chapter for Habitat Humanity in 1987 when he was a professor at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Dr. Cook will be attending the event.

Founder and President of Habitat Millard Fuller will also attend the dedication along with ministers from Americus and Sumter County areas, senior Habitat leaders and anyone from the public who wishes to join. After the dedication, a tour will be provided around the Center, which is expected to be fully completed by 2005 provided adequate funding is met.

Surrounding the sculpture will be the donor wall made of earth bricks. Names of businesses, churches, organizations and people who donated over $100 to Habitat will have their names etched on the wall.

Greiner’s works are held by Rev. Dr. Billy Graham, Pope John Paul II, Dr. John Maxwell and Benny Hinn and displayed in Dallas, Houston, Pittsburgh, Korea and Toronto, Canada.