Referring to the philosophy that first fueled Habitat for Humanity International and later its sibling organization, the Fuller Center for Housing, founding father Millard Fuller identified it as “theology of the hammer,” a partnership in which participants believe that God will join them at the work site. The southern gentleman systematically set out to accomplish a Herculean task—to see that everyone around the world had a simple, decent place to live in order that every child might fulfill his or her potential.

Author Bettie B. Youngs takes up her writer’s hammer and frames out a compelling account of an Alabama farmer’s son with a vision to eradicate “poverty housing.” In a parable-like process of “growth, deconstruction and reconciliation,” “The House that Love Built” relates the transformation from a young man wanting nothing more than to be successful and rich to a mature man whose mission shows a glimpse of the most noble element in the human spirit.

Youngs does nothing to hide the fact that she is a fan of the Fullers. Her style of writing is inviting and comfortable, like Grandma’s favorite rocker. She admits in the forward that the Fullers’ story of stewardship is “a big one” and the reader is quickly convinced of it— gauged by the enormity of the project taken on by Millard Fuller and his wife, Linda.

The author wisely parcels out the story in a string of short chapters, interspersed with folksy vignettes written by mostly Millard and occasionally Linda. Plenty of black and white photos break up the text, graphically chronicling the Fullers’ worldwide faith-based efforts to build houses with the assistance of the well-known and the unknown.

There’s no question that Fuller was a crackerjack entrepreneur from the get go, partnering with fellow law student Morris Dees in a series of cottage industries hawking everything from tractor seat cushions to cookbooks; eventually sales of their products hit the $1 million mark and simultaneously the Fullers’ marriage began to crumble at the core. After an epiphany episode of on the steps of Manhattan’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the two started over, shedding the baggage of affluence.

Time spent at a Christian community, followed by two terms as missionaries in Africa sponsored by the United Church of Christ, help to shape the future for the Fullers. With a family of four growing children, the duo launched Habitat for Humanity International in 1976, selecting Americus, Ga., for its headquarters. Partnership Housing, Kingdom Economics, Blitz Builds, Prison Partners were buzz words that described the collaborative work, no-interest loans and simple houses characteristic of the Habitat mission.

Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, were the media magnets but Fuller was the engine, the tires and the steering mechanism that drove the organization. That is until the second of two accusations of inappropriate conduct were leveled at Fuller by female staff members. “The House that Love Built” seemed to suffer an earthquake of sorts as the Fullers fought back, only to be forced out in 2005.

Readers might find a bit tedious the struggle for power that is meticulously documented by Youngs and the letters of support in an appendix as a bit over the top. Still, Fuller’s energy and faith emerges triumphant, permeating the pages of this book. He said, “Witnessing with a hammer, the message gets through. That’s what all of us are called to do. To be the hands, the legs, the arms, the feet of Jesus.”

The story doesn’t have a happy ending—and that’s because it ends with a beginning.