GracePointe Church Helps Makeover Family's Home - Erika Kurre

A chilling act of love in a heart-warming story.

A church in Franklin chips in to help a family whose home was nearly empty.

But the extra furnishings and decorating is more than just a face-lift, it's a message that has this family crying tears of joy.

Picture frames, candles, a bedroom set...

These are things the Springer family has never had until now.

Entering their home for the first time since Friday, they're surprised to see it filled with furnishings-- and people.

Madawna Springer says, "I want you to know that the most touching thing to me is I don't feel alone right now. And I haven't had a day in Tennessee that I haven't profoundly felt very very on my own."

Madawna Springer and her five daughters just moved to Franklin from out-of-state in July.

The move-- and starting a new life here-- has been tough.

Her faith has helped keep her strong:

Gracepointe Church Pastor Stan Mitchell says, "Madawna's been coming to church for a while and we really weren't aware. So we happened upon this. And when we happened upon it, there really wasn't an alternative-- we had to do it."

Within a weeks time, volunteers gathered pillows and furniture and organized the event, all to help a friend in need.

Gracepointe Church Pastor's wife Nancy Mitchell says, "This is a hard-working mom and pays everything she makes to pay for rent for her children to go to Williamson County schools."

Displayed artwork, a television and stuffed animals have all been donated by the church family.

But it's not the "things" that have made this house a home.

Springer says, "It's so easy to say 'Oh honey I will pray for you. But this is-- I think this is what God really wants to have happen in people's lives."

Reaching out, helping someone they barely know, at a time this mother needed most to know she's not alone.

Springer says, "They saw me. I didn't wave my arm, they just saw me."

Mitchell says, "They say it's more blessed to give than to receive-- I can't even tell you what this feels like right now."

Dozens of church members chipped in to help the family, offering other goods and services.

Carnival Kia even gave the Springer family a new car when they heard of her car trouble. GracePointe Church Helps Makeover Family's Home - Erika Kurre

Posted: Saturday, October 31 2009, 10:27 PM CDT