Church provides "Extreme Home Makeovers".

Inspired by the ABC television show Extreme Home Makeover, members of the Pataskala Church of the Nazarene in Pataskala, Ohio, have been undertaking a new mission for the past year: to make over the homes of deserving families.

This past November, about 200 members of the church gathered together to make over their third house. The recipients of their good will were Chuck and Teresa Howell, the parents of three young children. The family was chosen because Chuck had lost his job and one of the couple's twin sons is autistic, which added to their challenges as parents.

"We try to do this about two times a year," Pastor Dan Stires told the [Lancaster] Eagle-Gazette. "We try to choose someone who is down on their luck and needs to be encouraged." The church members want to show the family they don't have to carry their burdens alone, Pastor Stires added.

While the work was being completed, the church paid for the Howell family to enjoy a weekend vacation at Fort Rapids, a hotel and water park in Franklin County, Ohio.

When the Howell family returned home, they were overwhelmed by all of the work the church members had done, including replacing the gravel driveway with a new concrete one, new bathroom fixtures, new carpeting, new floors in the bathroom and dining room, and even new furniture.

"I'm quite amazed," Teresa said.

Pastor Stires commented that he was extremely pleased with the turnout and show of support. "Some people turned down paying jobs ... so they could volunteer here and show the family love."