In response to the devastation that was caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, 15 Iowans are preparing to leave Thursday for Puerto Rico to help a United Methodist church rebuild.
The volunteers include high-schoolers through retirees, and not just United Methodists.
“We were able to get a good group of people from many denominations from all across the state of Iowa,” said the group’s leader, Reverend Hugh Stone. “We have a student at Simpson College, some retired doctors, a retired nurse, and a public defendant who is fluent in Spanish, which will be very helpful.”
The primary focus for the volunteers will be rebuilding bathrooms and other projects to help with basic needs for the congregation. They will be staying at another church in the area since the first has been so severely damaged.
Stone, the pastor of Polk City U.M. Church, is thankful for the help they have received.
“The Iowa Board of Global Ministries gave us a grant through The Great Commission Fund so we are able to go to Puerto Rico,” he said.
The group will fly out from Des Moines on March 8 and return on March 17. Check back soon for updates on the volunteer’s experience.
