Sunday in Minot

The hotel we are staying in has a nice breakfast which everyone was able to enjoy before church.  The weather outside was unusual we are told for Minot -- fog!  As we drive to the church, there are still many houses with boards on the windows.  We hope to hear more of the stories of those affected at church.

By the time we arrive at the Christ Lutheran Church, the fog has almost lifted.   We are greeted by Alan Pearson who is the chair of the rebuilding committee at Christ Lutheran.  Alan introduces us to Bill Graves of ELCA-Mission Builders who is leading the work for the rebuilding.  We expect to see Bill tomorrow when we start our work project.  Alan explains how much damage was done to the church.  Over 2 feet of water filled the church damaging everything inside.  The water also went into their basement where they had their fellowship room.  We also see the damage in the sanctuary which required them to rebuild their altar area.  So much work to be done but they rejoice that so much work has been done, allowing them to hold their worship services.

The church Holy Communion service is led by Pastor Mike Johnson and he also delivers a wonderful sermon.  We sing some favorite hymns - Beautiful Savior for one and afterwards enjoying meeting some of the congregants.  Roger Arnholt presents the SAKLC gift to Alan Pearson who expresses much gratitude.

Some of what we learned this morning from people at the church.  There are many people who were permanently displaced by the flood.  There were over 1,000 trailers brought in by FEMA to house people after the flood.  Around 200 still have people living in them.  Elderly people sometimes had to make the tough decision of abandoning their home because they could not afford to repair nor had the physical capability of repairing their home.  The AFB had lawyers and counselors come and help the people make the tough decisions.  There are too many stories to tell here about the affect of the flood on the people of Minot.

We leave the church and an offer to take our picture -- the sun is now shining too!

After church, everyone heads to lunch on their own and then meets again in the hotel lobby at 1:30 pm for a tour of the Dakota Boys & Girls Ranch.  The 'ranch' is on a 300 acre property just about 2 miles outside of downtown Minot started by Lutheran organizations.  It provides residential and day programs for children 10 - 17 years of age who are at-risk with emotional and behavioral issues, and some with developmental challenges.  The work they are doing for youth in various situations is amazing and all in the name of Christ. We are impressed with their facility and their plans to seek the best ways to help these children become successful in their adult lives.  Truly an organization that is a blessing.


Staff at the Ranch

 

 

Our evening meals have been arranged with Hope Village of Minot.  This organization has been the heart and soul of the Minot community recovery, coordinating all of the Christian relief organizations and volunteers.  Our contact at Hope Village is Lutheran Disaster Response which we will meet with on Monday.  Sunday evening, we are greeted by Steve who is the Hope Village Director and hospitality coordinator.  Sheila also greets us in the blue and white tent where they serve the meals.  She serves us and then sits down and chats with us about the community and how happy they are to have volunteers come and help those during this flood recovery.

In the morning, we will return to Hope Village to discuss our work assignment and make our brown bag lunches to take to our work site.  Some of the local churches bake cookies for us to enjoy too.

T-shirts are hanging along the side of the tent from different groups that have come to volunteer.  SAKLC's servant team t-shirt will be joining these tomorrow!

Back at our hotel, Pastor Roger leads us in an evening devotional.  Everyone is thankful for this opportunity to be together and be SAKLC servants in Minot.

 I Corinthians 3:9..."God's servants, working together"