MOREHOUSE — The landscape of this southeast Missouri community has been forever changed, and First Baptist Church has adapted its ministry.
“Morehouse is quite a bit different than it was before the flood,” Pastor Randy Conn said.
In April 2011, a flood swept into the town and destroyed 75 homes. About 20 have been replaced, leaving more than 50 empty lots in town.
First Baptist housed a shelter within its building for several months, providing lodging and meals for flood victims. Over the past year and a half, various mission teams have assisted with cleanup and rebuilding efforts. The church continues to assist people with needs such as food and clothing. One family is currently living in a travel trailer as their home is being rebuilt.
“We’ve had some good things happen,” Conn said. “We’ve been able to minister in our community in ways we were never able to before and build relationships.”
With more than 90 percent of rebuilding work done, the church and community are now in long-term recovery. This stage presents its own challenges.
“Morehouse was economically depressed to begin with and the flood has worsened the effects,” Conn said.
Alcohol and drug addiction are common, contributing to single-parent families and children being raised by their grandparents.
The church reaches out with children and youth programs on Wednesday nights. More than 50 children regularly participate in supper and Bible study.
“We are on mission every Wednesday night. We have a good group of people who are dedicated to the Lord,” Conn said.
Attendance on Wednesday night exceeds typical Sunday morning attendance. Many of the children come without their parents. As a result, First Baptist faces a larger ministry within its community and fewer resources with which to operate.
“We’d like to do more, but our resources are limited. We’re trying to keep our head above water and minister to the community,” Conn said.
The church has a van that is currently being used for children’s ministry, but it is not expected to run much longer. Conn asked if any churches have a van they are no longer using, to consider donating it to First Baptist.