NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — With a bandage above his left eye and a large, red welt below it, former President Jimmy Carter was greeted by a cheering crowd Monday morning as he prepared to help build a home with Habitat for Humanity in Nashville.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Carter fell at home on Sunday, requiring 14 stiches, but he did not let his injuries keep him from participating in his 36th building project with the nonprofit Christian housing organization. He turned 95 last Tuesday, becoming the first U.S. president to reach that milestone.
With a bandage above his left eye and a large, red welt below it, former President Jimmy Carter builds corbels at a Habitat for Humanity project Monday, Oct. 7, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. Carter fell at home on Sunday, requiring 14 stiches, but he did not let his injuries keep him from participating in his 36th building project with the nonprofit Christian housing organization. He turned 95 last Tuesday, becoming the first U.S. president to reach that milestone. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Before construction began, Carter led a morning devotion for a group of several hundred volunteers.
He walked slowly across the uneven, muddy ground to the stage helped by a cane and several people who were nearby to steady him. Once seated, Carter, who still teaches Sunday school twice a week at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia, spoke in a clear voice, peppering his inspirational message with jokes.
Former President Jimmy Carter leads a morning devotion for volunteers at a Habitat for Humanity building project Monday, Oct. 7, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. Carter fell at his home on Sunday, requiring over a dozen stitches, but he did not let his injuries keep him from participating in his 36th building project with the nonprofit Christian housing organization. He turned 95 last Tuesday, becoming the first U.S. president to reach that milestone. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Read More: Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood Give Back With Habitat for Humanity
He spoke about Jesus' brother James who taught that "if your life is not filled with peace, joy and thanksgiving, it's your fault.'"
Carter said God gives us life and freedom. "With our freedom, every one of us can make a basic decision. ... 'What kind of person do I, myself, choose to be?'"
Carter said every person "can be a complete success in the eyes of God."
Speaking about what makes a successful life, Carter reminded the crowd that Jesus was poor, and died young, abandoned by his closest friends.
"But Jesus lived a perfect life because he followed the will of God," Carter said.
Joining Carter at the building site on Monday were former First Lady Rosalynn Carter; husband and wife country music stars Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood; and Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and First Lady Maria Lee.
Musician Eric Paslay played a song before Carter took the stage and joked about Carter's injury as he introduced him.
"After that bar fight, you coming out, building houses ... I love you to death," Paslay said.
By TRAVIS LOLLER, Associated Press
Now Watch: Brad Paisley and His Wife Kimberly Are Opening a Free Grocery Store For Those in Need
https://rumble.com/embed/u7gve.v4bsiz/
