Looking for a place for your youth or adults to engage in hands-on mission work? Seeking to grow in discipleship by partnering with persons who still need healing and hope after disaster?
Reservations are being taken for one-day experiences as well as week-long trips, working with Matthew 25 Ministry Hub. Matthew 25 is committed to neighborhood revitalization in the near west-side of Cedar Rapids, especially in the areas ravaged by the flood of 2008. We envision a thriving, connected community where people are valued and talents are multiplied. We believe that people of faith are called to invest in places where traditional investment might not happen. Our mission is to “Unite, Empower, Change Lives!”
During the spring and summer of 2012 volunteers, both from local communities and from around the country, will assist in neighborhood revitalization. Matthew 25 will guide volunteers working in three areas:
- Partner with home-owners to rehabilitate owner-occupied homes, improving the quality of these families’ living conditions
- Restore abandoned houses so families may locate in or return to the neighborhood
- Build new homes on vacant lots so the neighborhood can be repopulated
An exciting new ministry begins this spring with the development of an Urban Farm, which we believe to be the first in the state of Iowa. Volunteers will be needed throughout the spring and summer as Matthew 25 brings this sign of hope and vitality to the community. Summer meals and activities for children of the community will continue, building upon the past years’ experiences – and volunteers will provide assistance.
So, there is a project here waiting for you and your group. Arrangements have been made for places to shower and sleep for out-of-town teams. Most groups bring a cook and use a church kitchen, but volunteers are also available to prepare meals for groups which make that request.
In the past few years, working with volunteers and with homeowners, over 200 owner-occupied homes have been rehabilitated and more than 45 houses have been restored after being abandoned or purchased by the City of Cedar Rapids. With your help this vital ministry will continue to make a difference to this community.
For more information click here or contact Rev. Jerry Oakland, Neighborhood Investment Coordinator, at 319.362.2214 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .