New York Annual Conference Volunteers: Bringing hope to the heartland

The first team to Marion, Iowa is led by Pete Royal. Pete is a member of the Simsbury United Methodist Church in Connecticut. His sister Sue is a member of the host church First UMC Marion, Iowa. Pete and five dedicated volunteers have added the New York Annual Conference to the list of several other conferences who are here to work, serve, and bring back HOPE to the heartland.

This first mission team to Iowa have really demonstrated the Christian love and compassion toward JD and his wife Michelle. They have replaced three windows, removed carpet, cleaned up the yard, putting new doors, and doing electrical work. JD and Michelle have five children. They were displaced by the flood and are trying to put their family back together. With the help of our volunteers this family will be able to rebuild their new place and call it a home.

Over 5390 homes were damaged by the flood.
About 18,623 people were evacuated from homes which is approximately 15% of the population of Cedar Rapids
Several homeowners and displaced families are disparately looking for help to restore their houses and rebuild homes. Please keep all the affected families in your prayers and come to Iowa and help.



It is easy to volunteer because everything you will need is available. There are construction tools, construction materials, helmet, gloves, masks, and name tags. Breakfast and dinner are served by the host church (First UMC Marion.) The meals are prepared by members of the church. The best kept secret is that the food is sooooo good. Keep it a secret.
In this photo is Josh, a college student with a passion for mission.





Michael and Paul from Simsbury Connecticut are drilling in the door frame. They came with Peggy, Dorrie and Zelma. It took this team three days to get to Cedar Rapids from Connecticut. Their first flight from Newark, NJ schedule on Sunday 8/10 was canceled due to weather conditions. The second rescheduled flight on Monday from LaGuardia, NY also failed. The final attempt that brought them to Iowa was on the third day, Tuesday 8/12 from Bradley International airport Hartford CT.
In stead of giving up, this first team demonstrated the spirit of tenacity, persistence, patience, and passion for sharing God's love.

More volunteers are needed. There is work for everyone, no matter the level of skill. If Joseph can do it, you can do even better. Come and let's build hope.

Sign up for the next team in October or any other scheduled team. Go to the website at www.nyacdisaster.com or email
disaster@nyac.com

PLEASE !!! PLEASE !!! PLEASE !!! sign up for Iowa Mission