Bob Lower knows the damage a flood can cause all to well. In July 2011, Lower and his wife Ada lost their home and church in Minot, North Dakota to a devastating flood. That did not stop the Lowers from reaching out to others.

Minot flood causes devastating loss

On June 24, 2011, the Mouse River overflowed its banks, and floodwaters rushed in at 75 miles an hour, ravaging thousands of homes and the basement of Faith United Methodist Church, Minot, North Dakota. All that happened, despite a hastily constructed 40-foot temporary dike around the area.

The floodwaters stayed for seven weeks.  The flooding in the Souris Valley led to the worst disaster in state history. The catastrophe left 8,000 to 9,000 people homeless in the Minot area. Faith United Methodist church was a total loss.  The congregation voted in 2012 to move to another building, out of the flood plain.

Lowers step up

Bob and Ada have always had a heart for serving. They served as missionaries on Spirit Lake Reservation for six years.  Immediately after the flood in June of 2011 the Lowers help relocate the food pantry operated by Faith UMC to a parking lot. 

“We knew that people were displaced and probably needed the food more than ever,” said Ada Lower.  “Out of every disaster wonderful things happen.  If it means serving people out in a parking lot out of a trailer, praise the Lord.”

“We learned as missionaries that sometimes the circumstances are dire. But from hard times comes good things,” said Bob Lower. “We are going to press on with God’s work.”

Bob leads rebuild efforts in Minot

In 2011, funds from UMCOR and the Dakotas Conference created a position to manage relief and volunteer efforts in the Minot Area.  Bob Lower, who had lost his home to flood, was selected as the Associate Coordinator of Disaster Relief for the Minot Area.  Bob became the first point of contact for United Methodists and many other agencies assisting with the disaster.

Lower with the help of UMCOR and other agencies established Hope Village, an ecumenical project that, beginning in 2012, furnished resources and housed volunteer teams.  UMCOR “has been very supportive of our work in Minot,” said Lower, “approving grants for building supplies, providing funds to get Hope Village up and running, and maintaining our presence.”

In 2012, Hope Village and its partners repaired or rebuilt more than 500 homes.  Rebuild efforts continued during 2013. In autumn 2013, Hope Village closed its doors, and other faith-based entities followed suit. 

However there were still some homes that needed to be rebuilt.  Lower coordinated the rebuild efforts throughout 2014.  He reported that 47 families were assisted throughout, from January 5, 2014 - October 5, 2014.  Volunteer workers completed a total building demolition, partially rebuilt 20 homes, and provided various others services to 26 families during that time period.

Bob Lower said, “United Methodists were there from the beginning. United Methodists were the last boots on the ground working the Minot Flood.”

Efforts recognized

The Genesis Award recognizes efforts of support, resiliency and leadership to bring new life after disaster strikes.  Bob Lower was recognized as the 2015 Genesis Award winner.  Lower was present to receive the award in Fargo, North Dakota at the 2015 Annual Conference session. 

“Bob has been an instrument of grace and compassion bringing hope and love to the people of Minot and beyond, throughout the flood recovery process, “ said Rev. Rebecca Trefz, Director of Ministries.  “Bob has acted as a resource for our Conference disaster response efforts.  Most recently he has working with Mike Flowers, at the Spirit Lake Ministry Center, to insure that tools and resources are ready when disaster hits.”

Lower recognized those who had served with him and supported the efforts of flood recovery in Minot including Rev. Deb Ball-Kilbourne and his wife Ada.  He also thanked his grandson Wesley for his work as intern and following Ada and Bob on the mission trail. 

“I am deeply honored.  It is good to be a servant  of God,” said Bob Lower.

Lower retired on June 30, 2015 with the recognition and the thanks of the Dakotas Annual Conference as the 2015 recipient of the Genesis Award.