One Ancient Hope

Iowa City, Iowa

Help bring the hope of the gospel to Iowa…

When Pastor Michael Langer answered God’s call to return to his home and plant a church in Iowa City, he didn’t expect to do so on the heals of the worst natural disaster in the United States since Katrina. In June 2008, floodwaters devastated the entire downtown area of Cedar Rapids (30 miles away), impacting more than 5,300 homes – and erasing the majority of the city’s low-income housing. In Iowa City, several hundred homes also were filled with water and mud. Throughout the summer and fall of 2008 Michael and the people of One Ancient Hope PC worked with MNA to establish a worksite to serve both communities. Several hundred men, women, and children from across the country joined in the gospel by gutting homes, and later by beginning the task of reconstruction.

Project Overview

During the Great Iowa Flood of 2008, the Cedar and Iowa Rivers rose to record flood levels, devastating more than 5000 homes. MNA Disaster Response and the Iowa Presbytery immediately began relief operations, which primarily consisted of mucking, gutting and stabilizing damaged properties. Our purpose was to offer immediate assistance and to form ongoing relationships with city officials and affected families. Since the initial response, MNA has made deep commitments in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids for physical and spiritual renewal. Working alongside organizations such as the Salvation Army, Red Cross and FEMA, MNA has followed a strategy for long term recovery and rebuilding, both physical and spiritual in nature. Most families had little or no flood insurance, and though some desperate families have been able to scrape together funds for materials, many are still waiting for volunteers to come alongside them to help in the work. For many families, volunteers represent their only possibility of returning to their homes. We believe God has orchestrated this opportunity to lead His Church to lost people.

Especially needed right now are teams which have skilled laborers for work in plumbing, electricity, and HVAC. But we are seeking any teams with solid construction skills, as well as those who lack those skills but are willing to work hard at whatever needs to be done. Teams forming to join in the restoration of Iowa who are unskilled are encouraged to find a building materials retailer such as Home Depot or Lowe's, which often offer free clinics on Saturdays on drywall, insulation, tiling and siding.

The Work

Primarily we are rebuilding homes that were damaged by flood water, and then gutted by volunteers. There is a tremendous need for skilled laborers and licensed contractors to oversee work in plumbing, electrical systems, and HVAC. But if your team does not have skilled laborers we can still use you. We do a lot of insulation, hanging sheetrock, mudding and finishing, painting, trim installation and flooring. Occasionally we install Hardy Plank or vinyl siding, windows, cabinets and fixtures. Teams of all skill levels are needed, and the most needed skill is a heart willing to live out the gospel to a broken community.

Meals

Teams will be responsible for their own meals. We have established a worksite at Hope Evangelical in North Liberty, Iowa (halfway between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City), where there is a full kitchen for cooking, and plenty of space for meals. North Liberty has several restaurants, but the real dining opportunities are in Iowa City – just 15 minutes away. For teams working in Cedar Rapids there are a numerous restaurants within minutes of the work zone.

Travel

Driving always works, but if you want to fly, the two best options are the Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) located between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids, and the Quad Cities Airport (MLI) is located 45 miles east of Iowa City. If flying, rent cars or vans at the airport, then drive to the work site at Hope Evangelical in North Liberty. Teams must arrange for their own transportation to and from North Liberty, as well as daily transportation to the worksites.

Group Aspects

Normally the worksite capacity is around 30 people, but we have some flexibility based on work flow. Because of logistics, work supervision and accountability, we do not allow “non-affiliated” individuals to participate. If an individual wants to participate with us, he or she should form a team representing their church or other organization, and book that team for a trip. Volunteers from all capable ages (high school and up) are welcomed. We recommend that youth group teams consist of a 4-1 student/adult, gender-specific ratio.

Accommodations

Travel time from the worksite to any possible jobsites will be about 20 minutes.

During the summer of 2008 teams from local Iowa PCA churches converted the basement of Hope Evangelical PC in North Liberty, IA into a “bunker” capable of housing up to 30 individuals. The area has separate quarters for men and women with private bathrooms for each. Additional restrooms are located throughout the church. There is an abundance of inflatable beds available, but teams should bring their own bedding. A newly constructed shower house sits just outside the church with both hot and cold water. During the winter months, the local recreational center has agreed to allow relief teams to use their showers at no charge.

A community room is available in the church’s main level for relaxing, and there is also high-speed wireless Internet service. Hope Evangelical’s property includes a sand volleyball court, and backs up to a large park. During the warm weather months, there are two different lakes 5 minutes away, with swimming and water sports.

Additionally, there are a number of hotels available in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City

What will it cost us?

The cost to participate on this project is minimal. Groups are responsible for their own transportation to and from Iowa, and must provide their own transportation while here. If you are flying, we can recommend vehicle rental agencies for getting you to and from the worksites. Also, if some in your group must fly, consider sending a few members of your team in advance with vans or trucks, including tools. Groups are also responsible for their own meals.

There are other work-related expenses which you should plan for, such as work gloves, particulate-filtering dust masks, and extra tools.

No fees are charged by MNA or One Ancient Hope for this project . As a mission church that is not yet self-supporting for our normal operating expenses, we greatly appreciate any financial help the visiting teams can offer us to defray costs. We welcome people and churches in partnering with One Ancient Hope as we seek the long-term restoration of our community.

What should we bring?

Safety is the highest priority. Bring thick work gloves, dust masks, work boots (preferably steel toed), safety goggles, and any other items you need to avoid injury. Please make sure tetanus shots are updated.

You may also want to bring your Bible and other reading material, and spending money for souvenirs, toiletries, and a camera. Valuables like a camera or laptop are generally safe at the Hope Evangelical Church host site, but be advised that it is a public building, and any risks to valuable goods are completely your own.

What will we be doing?

Our job will be largely one of rebuilding those homes which have already been mucked out and approved for rebuilding by the oversight agencies on the ground in the disaster area. We will us a rubric commonly shared with other agencies in the Iowa disaster area to determine the skill set of your team, and try to match your team’s skills to particular jobs, which will be forwarded to you prior to your arrival.

Are there still homes to work on?

Yes, indeed. Whole sections of Cedar Rapids remain uninhabited, while the residents wait for funding and assistance. Iowa City also has areas where homes have not yet been prepared for habitation. Some gas station signs still reflect the flood-day gas prices—a simple drive-through shows you that we clearly have far to go before we recover. Organizations like our own are planning for long-term relief because it is sorely needed. FEMA has estimated that our community will continue to be under re-build conditions for the next 3-4 years.

Can non-Presbyterian Churches come?

YES! The majority of teams have come from Presbyterian churches, but welcome everyone in Christ’s body to put feet on the Gospel. This is a project where we can celebrate the unity of the Church.

Do we need to bring tools?

One Ancient Hope has a tool trailer that your team may pull to worksites. In that trailer are generators, some limited carpentry tools, and general small tools. Also, the Volunteer Recovery Center (VRC) has a "tool lending library" which has everything from screwdrivers to generators and compressors. We have access to that library—though planning is crucial, because resources are scarce. We encourage teams to bring as many of their own tools as possible, especially those required for skilled trades.

How many homes have you worked on?

Teams worked on about 55 homes from June to and November of 2008. Most of that work involved gutting the houses and stripping them to the studs. Some rebuilds were undertaken, involving sheetrock and basic carpentry work. OAH and MNA, in concert with the Long-Term Recovery Coalition, are now concentrating their efforts on rebuilding homes to completion.

Do we need insurance?

Yes, everyone need to have their own health insurance and you will need to have proof. We have liability waiver forms for you and the homeowners to sign as well.

Typical Schedule

In a typical day, you can expect to work a full 8 hours, not including transportation to and from the work site. As regards a weekly schedule, we appreciate it if week-long teams can arrive on a Saturday or Sunday, and depart the following weekend. However, we are very willing to accommodate teams who are unable to spend a full week with us. We normally do not work on Sundays. Prior to beginning work, all teams will be given a full orientation. Some teams take ½ day off on Wednesday to better experience Iowa City and Cedar Rapids. We conclude our workweek on Friday afternoon, in time to clean up our work sites, account for tools from the One Ancient Hope tool trailer, and spend some quality time with the families we are serving. We also welcome teams for long weekends and partial weeks. In short, if you’re willing to come, we’re willing to have you.

Spiritual aspects?

You should appoint a person or persons to lead in short devotions each morning before you leave for work. Some groups have had amazing experiences of sharing and/or prayer with the homeowners. Remember—by serving others, you are being Christ’s body. This is no small responsibility.

How do you select which homes to repair?

Currently most of our work orders are coming from the Volunteer Reception Center, a community organization formed after the flood to help coordinate recovery efforts. It is a simple process; you tell us how many people are on your team, outline your skill set for us, and we go to the VRC a week ahead of your arrival, and request job orders. By the time you arrive, we will have the work ready and waiting. There is no official pressure to absolutely complete all jobs we request from the VRC. However, we encourage teams to aim high.

Where are these homes?

Most of the impacted homes are in Cedar Rapids. And in Cedar Rapids, the vast majority of those homes were in low-middle to lower income neighborhoods. One Ancient Hope Church is also working with homeowners in Iowa City. In any given week you might work in either Cedar Rapids or in Iowa City.

Can we do things besides construction?

Of course! Let us know what you want to do, and we will see if there’s a need or a use for your skills. Many teams bring people along with them to stay at the lodging site and cook. And periodically, there is a need for volunteers to do data entry at the volunteer reception center, which might be a great way for someone who is not able-bodied to help.

Who provides the building materials?

Homeowners and the VRC provide the materials. One of the large home-build retailers in Cedar Rapids has authorized drastic reductions for anyone working under the umbrella of the rebuild coalition, of which OAH is a part. We simply take the job orders to the store, show them the materials we need, and the VRC is billed. The VRC also has a warehouse of supplies such as drywall mud, paint, some trim etc. Carpet is also available.

Are seniors welcomed?

Some of the most skilled and energetic workers we’ve seen are seniors. But some older folks who may not be able to endure the heavy labor come and work in the kitchen, or help clean the team’s housing site during the day while they are working. And as mentioned above, there are even periodic office-work tasks for volunteers at the Volunteer Reception Center.

How do we set the date?

One Ancient Hope maintains a calendar which we share with MNA. We have limitations on space, and need a month’s notice or more, so please contact us as soon as possible. It is important also for the rebuilding coalition to have appropriate supplies available and ready.

What are your biggest needs for this project?

1. A ½ ton, 4WD pick up to pull our trailer.
2. Additional generators, trim saws, electric drills.

Do the homeowners help?

Many are living out of town while their homes are uninhabitable. Some work alongside the teams all week. It really depends on what kind of living situation the family has arranged for themselves as they recover. But in most cases, your team will get to meet the affected family sometime during the week.

What good is building homes if no one comes to Christ?

The Church is Christ’s body, and we have a mandate to offer compassion and healing to our neighbors. Even if the homeowners were to curse our efforts, our obligation to show love and compassion would not change. Some homeowners have visited, worshiped, and prayed with the teams, and we would rejoice if God used our work to help bring one of his children to acknowledge Christ. But that is not our sole purpose. After Hurricane Katrina, Arklie Hooten said that “New Orleans belongs to the Lord, and we owe it to him to see his city beautiful again.” The same is true for Eastern Iowa. Come and help us declare through our actions that Cedar Rapids and Iowa City are God’s, and help us work to make these cities reflect His glory.

 

Need more information?

Contact Arklie Hooten ahooten@pcanet.org / (678) 294-3011

or

Sherry Lanier

MNA ShortTerm Missions and Disaster Response Facilitator
678-294-3012
slanier@pcanet.org

Back to MNA ShortTerm Missions