Written by Ging Hudson

In small towns, word travels fast, if it’s good or bad news! We heard good news last May that turned out to be great news for First Presbyterian Church, Manning. The I KM-Manning School District was in need of housing for the Spanish teacher that was to be hired for the 2024-2025 school year. An elder brought before the session the idea of renting our church manse to the individual and their family. The house was approved by the Department of Education, and we were thrilled. The house had been sitting empty for five years. We all wanted the house to be used and what a perfect opportunity for us to reach out to our community.

Work on the house began, updating plumbing fixtures, servicing the washer and dryer, changing light bulbs, cleaning out the attic, maintaining the air conditioner and furnace along with replacing blinds. We also hired a professional company to give the house a thorough cleaning.

The school had a committee of brilliant young teachers who coordinated furnishings and food with the rest of our community. Once the house was cleaned, they set to work on each room. Beds, dressers, tables, couches, lamps, area rugs, toys, desk and bookshelves, tv, sheets, pillows, towels, wastebaskets, soaps, laundry detergent; plus food, snacks, dishes, cookware, silverware, cooking utensils, towels, dish soap and throw rugs were placed. When the house was fully arranged and decorated, it looked amazing!

Aroa, Alberto, and their son lcian arrived August 8th and were greeted by school personnel and introduced to their Iowa home. Church elders met with them to explain thermostats, appliances, mail, and who they could call for any assistance.

It is now October, and school is closing its first quarter. Aroa is enjoying her teaching, and her family is enjoying the warm Iowa autumn. lcian attends Day Care and preschool at Zion Lutheran. He is three years old. Aroa is a Spanish teacher, and Alberto is a practicing physical therapist in Spain. We are so happy to have them in our lives as they learn the “Iowa way.” They come from a city with no yards or trees with leaves that fall. This week they insisted on raking leaves. lcian did all the activities that three-year-old children love: running, throwing, tramping, jumping and raking the beautiful leaves.

Collaboration with the community, school, and church family allowed us to serve all those in our school district and surrounding communities.

This wonderful family from Spain has made following our mission easy for the First Presbyterian Church in Manning!

WITH OUR LOVE OF GOD, WE ARE CALLED TO HELP OTHERS.