---

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, February 27, 1992                   TAG: 9202270403
SECTION: NEIGHBORS                    PAGE: W8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Frances Stebbins
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

---

RELIGION BRIEFS

LENT, the period of 40 days, excluding Sundays before Easter, begins with Ash Wednesday next week. On that day, many Christians will go to church for special services, some of which include the imposition of ashes placed on the forehead to remind worshipers that everyone returns to the Earth at death.

This act of humility on Ash Wednesday is followed by weekly devotions in churches and often special classes to enhance spiritual growth.

\ THE ROANOKE VALLEY BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF HABITAT FOR HUMANITY has set a goal of 10 homes for the working poor in 1992. Under the leadership of William S. Hubard, the group is raising $195,000 to erect houses on 13 lots. Monthly education programs to help Habitat homeowners with seasonal needs also are under way.

\ LAKESIDE BAPTIST CHURCH. 447 Dalewood Ave. in Salem, has scheduled David Ring as an evangelistic speaker Sunday at 6 p.m.

Ring, son of a Baptist pastor, overcame cerebral palsy and a broken family to become a staff member of First Baptist Church in Orlando, Fla. He now visits more than 200 churches each to witness to his faith.

\ Deadline for religion briefs for Neighbors is Thursday. Material must be delivered to Neighbors Religion Briefs, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke 24010, by noon in order to run in the following Thursday edition.

---