First United Methodist Church members help those affected by disasters

Members of First United Methodist Church in Decatur are finding a niche reaching out to communities forgotten in the aftermath of disaster.

But two trips to help Oakville, Iowa, rebuild from devastating flooding that put Cedar Rapids in the news in 2008 have done more than provide a valuable bonding experience with the townspeople.

The experience has also built bonds among the missionaries that span generations.

So much so that 45 people, up from 35 last year and ranging from preschoolers to retirees, have signed up to go to Poplar Bluff, Mo., to help towns in that area recover from damage related to the deadly tornado that hit Joplin on May 22, 2011.

The group leaves June 24 and returns June 30.

When you sweat next to people for four or five days and eat meals with them, you tend to get better acquainted, said Matt Stevens, 59, of Decatur. Youre also doing something important for people who need help.

Indeed, Marise Robbins-Forbes, her husband, Guy, and daughters, Sydney, 12, and Katie, 9, of Decatur cant wait to get involved after hearing about the mission trips the past couple years.

Were a busy family, so were seeking quality time together and want to instill in our daughters the value of helping others, Robbins-Forbes said.

She suspects Sydney might be asked to help prepare meals for the group because she loves to cook.

Other tasks, besides cooking and construction, include a story/craft time for children in the local park.

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First United Methodist Church members help those affected by disasters