Kingsley - Pierson, IA REcovery Update
Last updated: June 11, 2026 10:00AM
Stats: Hours worked, Homes helped, value of free service provided
Storms hit across Iowa on Sunday, May 17, 2026, including a wind event with possible tornados in Kingsley-Pierson area of Western Iowa. No reported injuries.
We recently returned from a near three- week deployment in the Kingsley and Pierson, Iowa area, where we spent the last few weeks helping clean up after the severe storms that moved through the region. Much of the work involved clearing downed trees and storm debris. This included 549 total work hours, and 302 equipment hours. We are thankful for the over 100 volunteers who gave their time and energy and for the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Christ in these communities.
As we look back on this deployment and ahead to future opportunities to serve, we would ask you to prayerfully consider supporting GoServ Domestic. Every deployment comes with expenses, including fuel for trucks and heavy equipment, equipment maintenance, and other costs that help us respond. Your donations make it possible for us to continue saying “yes” when communities need help. If you would like to partner with us in this ministry, your gift, large or small will help us be ready for the next deployment. Thank you for being part of what God is doing through GoServ.
Melding into the community is the goal when we come to a town. We want those affected to understand that we are here because want to help. The volunteers we bring to help with the work leave deployments with new friends and a heart filled with gratitude for being ‘someone’s person’ when they needed it the most. Not in a puffy chested way, but truly the way Jesus would want us to work to be His hands and feet.
Hope Story #1
A short time here, but new friends and stories to tell. First person I met in Pierson was “Bride.” She came into the community center in tears because she was getting married on May 30 at the park. The park was a mess with broken trees, branches and debris, and the garage at her home had been destroyed and needed to come down. We put the park at the top of the list and got it wedding ready. Then we took her garage down and hauled it away. She was still stressed out about getting the food done, so just because, I signed up for the cheesy potatoes and mac and cheese. All is well.
Hope Story #2
What is it like to move into a small town to help them with a disaster? Truly, it is amazing how God provides. Marie Benedix lives right down the road two miles from Pierson. Dennis helped her 13 years ago when her home was destroyed by a tornado. “Come stay at my house,” she said.” “I’ll be gone a few days, but here is the key, make yourselves at home.” When she got home, she generously fed us breakfast and supper while we were there. Only regret is we didn’t get the puzzle finished.
Hope Story #3
I set up office at the City Hall in Pierson. Again, here is the key, lock up when you leave for the day. I needed to cook lunch several days and make food for the wedding taking place in town, so a simple phone call got the community center open so I could use the industrial kitchen they have. Again, “call when you are done and we will get it locked up.”
