In the summer of 1983, Jack Honea loaded up his truck and drove west from his hometown of McComb, Mississippi, toward an Indian reservation in New Mexico. It was his first volunteer construction mission—a week spent hammering, sweating, and serving alongside strangers. But for Jack, it was more than just a project; it was the start of a calling.

“I didn’t know it at the time, but the Lord was opening up places for us to go,” Jack says, reflecting on that first trip. “And He’s been opening doors ever since.”

More than four decades later, Jack’s journey has led to the creation of Nail Benders, a volunteer construction ministry that has built churches, orphanages, and retreat cabins across the country. His passion for building—both structures and relationships—has brought together teams of men and women from all walks of life, united by their faith and a desire to serve.

The Zachary Connection & The Win/Win/Win

Jack’s cousin, Don Griffin, helped introduce Nail Benders to First Baptist Church in Zachary, Louisiana. That connection has resulted in teams from Zachary joining builds year after year, further expanding the Nail Benders’ reach.

Before his days leading volunteer crews, Jack worked in sales—always looking for a win/win. Today, his perspective has shifted: “Now, I’m looking for a win/win/win,” he says with a grin. “The third win is for God.”

Como and Beyond: Building with Purpose

One of the Nail Benders’ most notable projects took place at Como Retreat Center outside of St. Francisville, where Jack and his team built the first five cabins in an impressive five weeks. At Como, volunteers from seven different states came together, with each crew consisting of anywhere from 40 to 100 workers. The crew worked to not only build single cabins, but ADA-compliant double cabins, so that wheelchair-bound individuals and their caretakers can enjoy a comfortable stay with accessible amenities while still having the option for privacy and independence.

Jack smiles when he recalls those early mornings and long workdays. “We had fathers and sons, friends who met on other builds—it was like a big family. Everyone was there for the same reason.”

The Road Crew: How Nail Benders Works

Every summer, from Memorial Day through June, Jack loads up his 15-passenger van and hits the road. Five rotating teams of volunteers—many recruited from churches they’ve built for in the past—take turns working on projects across the country. Smaller teams stay active throughout the year, tackling repair work and other builds.

When it’s a long-haul job, like the time they built a chapel for a youth center outside of Houston, they’ll charter a Greyhound bus. Four drivers take shifts, keeping the wheels moving through the night. Once they arrive, the Nail Benders are entirely self-sufficient. They bring cots, air mattresses, and enough supplies to cook for themselves on-site.

“It’s not fancy,” Jack chuckles. “But it works. And it brings us closer together.”

The Nail Benders are known for their efficiency and teamwork. They can now complete a 7,000 to 8,000-square-foot structure in just six weeks—a feat that’s equal parts skill, faith, and grit.

Faith in Action: More Than Just Construction

While the work is hard and the days are long, Jack emphasizes that Nail Benders is more than just construction—it’s a ministry. Middle school and high school boys often join their fathers, learning how to hang drywall and install windows, not just push brooms.

“We want them to do real work,” Jack says. “But more importantly, we want them to see what it looks like to serve.”

Nail Benders is a self-supporting ministry. Each volunteer covers their own expenses for food, fuel, and lodging. If someone can’t make the trip but still wants to contribute, they can sponsor another member financially. It’s a simple model, but one that has sustained the ministry for decades.

The work is non-denominational and evangelical at its core, though Jack, a Baptist himself, acknowledges that many of their projects are connected to Baptist churches. That said, all are welcome.

Join the Mission

For those interested in joining, Nail Benders is always looking for willing hands and open hearts. Whether you’re experienced with power tools or just eager to help, there’s a place for you.

To learn more about upcoming projects or how you can get involved, contact Jack Hones at 601-341-2714.

Because with Nail Benders, you’re not just building structures—you’re building hope.