A simple doorbell installation turned into a complete roof repair Friday in an effort to aid Agape Christian Center pastors John and Karen Pelizzari.
John was hospitalized for two weeks because of a partial amputation due to diabetes complications, but came home to face a leaky roof in their kitchen.
Ernest Cortez, a Temple Public Works employee, recalled the moment the Pelizzaris called him to help with a minor installation on Wednesday.
“Well, it started with a (Ring) doorbell and after that (Karen) said, ‘Hey, we got a roof with a leak here.’ I said OK. I got my brothers together and we came over to get it taken care of,” Cortez said.
Ernest, his brother Pastor Chris Cortez and several members of New Image Outreach Ministry arrived to the Pelizzaris’ Temple home in full force Friday morning to fix the roof.
Chris Cortez reflected on his professional and personal relationship with John Pelizzari as he worked on the roof.
“I appreciate everything he’s done for our ministry and we’re a product of his ministry also so I’m licensed and ordained through Agape Christian Center … It’s not just because he’s our pastor, but that’s what we’re supposed to do for the community,” he said.
New Image Outreach Ministry, located at 1910 S. Young St., specializes in helping people start a new beginning with weekly courses on subjects such as Christian living and Bible studies, according to their website.
The Pelizzaris were grateful for their generosity.
“Nobody stops to help anybody anymore,” Karen Pelizzari said.
“It’s amazing because we had part of the roof done here. That small section was $10,000, which we didn’t have especially with what’s going on with him (John),” she said.