The past few days, I have been hunting for a rental house in Cedar Rapids via Craig’s List.  So far, I have received three varations of the following email:

Thanks for your Keen and obvious interest in our beautiful home,Before now its been an issue putting out our home for rent due to the bond we have developed with the house,Listening to advises from friends and since there are no family member around to take care of the house we decided to do this.

Firstly i will like to share with you about my little family, I am a pastor and my wife has a private practice as an attorney, i am a native of Marion IA . I and my wife acquired our house few years ago and have lived happily’

As we are approaching retirement,we have decided as JEHOVAH WITNESSES to spend the rest of our lives in voluntary services.To spread with gospel of Jehovah and reach out to the less privilege.This has given us so much joy and fulfillment.Presently we have been assigned to West Africa (Nigeria) to help build the Church of God and assist in spreading the living word.

As it has been a tough decision for us,we require a very nice,experienced and genuine family to help keep the bond that we have with our home.Our house is intact with all amenities intact and working in perfect conditions,I would like to emphasize that you will find your new home enjoyable and you will definitely feel at home.Also the neighborhood is quite at peace and welcoming.

We have a cordial relationship with the neighborhood as it is a neighborhood where,everyone keep to themselves go about their business without interference from anybody and we expect that as you move in.Please keep to yourselves as this Our (home) that will become yours will provide all the warmth and joy that you require

Endeavor as much as you can to keep the home tidy,the amenities in perfect working conditions and treat this home just like you would treat your own house.

we will appreciate if you could take your time to fill out the Rent/Lease application form below as we would like to keep proper documentation.

The email concluded by asking for my personal details (Name, address, social security number, banking information, and even a family photo).  Other email that I received said that the homeowner was a member of the military, a missionary, or someone who’s home was about to enter foreclosure.

Although I love Craig’s List, it’s increasingly becoming a less reliable way of getting business done.

I am so sick of complacency.. I am PASSIONATE about people coming to Christ and I can’t do that sitting around waiting for the church to pacify me and make me feel all good and fluffy. I need to be comfortable with being uncomfortable in this life. – Heather Williams, SOS Radio artist

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Donate or Volunteer

• Volunteering: Missourian’s should call 2-1-1 in most areas for information on volunteering their time or making a donation. 2-1-1 is operated by United Way and is available through much of Missouri. Out of state, or no access to 2-1-1, call 1-800-427-4626. This is the premiere place we point people. (Donors will have their info placed in the below system)
• Donations: The National Donations Management Network is what 211 and other organizations are using to sign up and organize donations, services and equipment. Go to http://www.aidmatrixnetwork.org/fema/ and click on Missouri.

Cash is preferred method because it offers voluntary agencies the most flexibility to obtain the most-needed resources, helping restore human dignity and pumps money into the local economy to help businesses recover as well. 

Those with medical skills accredited in Missouri who are interested in volunteering can go online at www.showmeresponse.org. Those with medical skills from outside of Missouri can sign up to volunteer at: http://www.phe.gov/esarvhp/

Those with medical skills from outside of Missouri who are interested in volunteering can go online at www.showmeresponse.org. Those with medical skills from outside of Missouri can sign up to volunteer at: http://www.phe.gov/esarvhp/.

Unsolicited donated goods such as used clothing, miscellaneous household items, and mixed or perishable food items may not meet the needs of disaster survivors. These items require additional time to sort and process. Anyone wanting to donate these items, should be directed to The National Donations Management Network above.

Missing People

• When someone is found: Have them register with the Red Cross database: www.Redcross.org/safeandwell. Also, have them call 1-417-659-5464.
• Looking for someone: Visit  www.Redcross.org/safeandwell.  You can also call: 1-800-733-2767 
• Reporting missing people: Call: 1-800-733-2767 (IMPORTANT:  When the person is found, be sure to call to take them off the list).

Unemployment Disaster Assistance Information

• For information about unemployment assistance visit: http://labor.mo.gov/Disaster/
• Register directly at: http://labor.mo.gov/disaster/claims.asp

For more information, click here.

Find out how you and your family can help and pray for Joplin residents by clicking here.