Mississippi River flooding

Because of water problems in the basement, Clarksville, Mo. UMC put in a sump pump so that the area would be available for use during a community emergencies as well as church activities.  The Sump pum was installed on April 10 and during the week of April 15th water began to rise in the Mississippi river.  AS the waters rose, volunteers came to down to help sandbag. .  The historic downtown district was threatened by the floodwaters. People came to help from the prison, from St. Louis,and  from Iowa.  Organizations like Ameri-corp, Boy Scout Troops,and the National Guard helped to sandbag. The basement was opened as a lunchroom, feeding from morning until 9 at night. The community lunchroom was staffed by church members and other volunteers.  Food was donated by a variety of people and organizations including the Red Cross and Walmart.  On Saturday April 20 it is estimated almost 500 people ate throughout the day and evening. The congregation of Clarksville UMC -  just 35 people - provided assistance in the lunch room and at sandbagging. A member who was over 80 cooked and one lady wth a bad back  helped out as long as she could.. It was a way to share the love of Jesus Christ.