Northwest Iowa Disaster Response Update

Thank you for your continued support of the Northwest Iowa Disaster Response efforts. Your prayers, donations, and volunteer work have made a tremendous impact on those affected by the recent flooding. We are grateful to have raised over $150,000, thanks to the many churches and individuals who have supported during this time of need!

Current Efforts and Progress

Rock Valley URC:

• Completed Work: Approximately 4 feet of drywall has been removed from the basement, which includes classrooms and a fellowship hall. The carpet and glue have been removed, and the flooded electrical system was replaced with new equipment. Insulation has been sprayed, and new drywall has been installed. One HVAC unit has been replaced and one has been repaired, and three others are currently being worked on, with the hope that they will be repairable as well. 
• Future Work: Taping and texturing of the drywall will begin in the coming weeks, and volunteers are needed for painting starting on September 30. If you can help or have questions, please reach out to jim@rms.org.
• Heartfelt Gratitude: Rev. Castro shared:“Our congregation has been so grateful to Christ’s body for the love, care, and support displayed in so many ways during this trial and turned it to joy. Proverbs 17:17 says, ‘A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.’ How true we have found this of late! We praise God for you all and pray the Lord’s blessings to be returned upon each mind that has lifted us up in intercession; each heart that has shared in this burden and cheerfully given; each hand which has served us (Ruth 2:12). ‘The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all. Amen.’”

Community:

• Gift Cards and Spiritual Resources: The Deacons of Rock Valley URC, alongside Rev. Caleb Castro, are distributing gift cards to a local grocery store to those in need within the church and community, along with Disaster Response cards that point people to a video created by the Institute for Reformed Biblical Counseling (IRBC).
• Community Meals: RMS has provided meals to those who lost their homes, offering support and care during this challenging time.

Trailers:

• Our shower trailer was set up in Spencer, Iowa, about 60 miles east of Rock Valley, providing a much-needed resource for those without water or with damaged water heaters. The shower trailer has been taken down and will return to Michigan in Sept.

• Our tool trailer has arrived in Rock Valley, equipped with the necessary tools to assist in rebuilding efforts.

We are so thankful for the many hands that make this work possible. Your continued support and prayers mean a great deal to us and those affected. Thank you!