The ROCHouse ministry of First United Methodist Church, Pekin, Illinois has begun construction of a duplex at 1307 N. Fifth St., Pekin, Illinois. The duplex, called  “Providence Place” is designed for families and will be used as a part of the ROCHouse transformational housing ministry that transforms lives for Christ through a ministry with families in transition by providing housing, spiritual guidance, and other support as identified by each family together with the ministry team. From September 16th  to September 29th, a volunteer team from World Mission Builders, together with volunteers from the church and the community were on site to frame up the duplex – much like an old-fashioned barn raising. World Mission Builders brought in volunteers from many different states who were hosted in local homes and shared common meals provided by Pekin First United Methodist Church, St. Paul United Church of Christ, Grace United Methodist Church, Congregational United Church of Christ, First United Presbyterian Church and others. Other significant support is being provided by Standard Heating and Cooling, Benassi Roofing, and Adult and Teen Challenge. 

“Pekin First United Methodist Church believes that Jesus meant it when he said, ‘Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me (Matthew 25:40).’ They live out their faith by serving the community, specifically those most in need. The ROCHouse Ministry,  Providence Place, and Charis Place represent this heart for mission and service here in Pekin. I’m honored to be their pastor.”- Rev. Sean Peters, Pastor, Pekin First UMC.

Over 10 years ago, Pekin First received a generous gift that empowered the congregation to think more boldly about what God was calling it into. From the visioning around that gift emerged a ministry idea that the church must move outside of its building and into the community in order to serve, share, and be the Gospel of Christ. From the seeds of that first generous gift emerged the idea of ROC – Reaching Our Community – Ministries. Fast forward about 10 years and another generous gift – the gift of a brick home next door to Providence Place, propelled the church to embrace that idea more fully into the ROCHouse transformational housing ministry. 

As volunteers readied the home (now named Charis Place) for the first family, they were drawn to the property next door which housed a small trailer park with 5 older trailers in various states of disrepair – including two that were uninhabited and uninhabitable. And God went to work – on the hearts of the volunteers and others – drawing the church into a vision to expand the ROCHouse ministry.

Pekin First received the gift of Charis Place in May 2021 and by mid-September of that year had purchased the trailer park and called it Providence Place – because the church saw God’s unexpected providence in the unfolding of this opportunity. The church expected to be a landlord to the trailer owners for several years while it planned out what would take place at Providence Place. But God had a different plan. As the church walked alongside the trailer owners, God unfolded opportunities to release them from the circumstances they found themselves in and by the end of January, 2022 the church owned all the trailers and had removed them.

And now the next step is unfolding at Providence Place – the duplex that was raised in September – an opportunity to serve more people and transform more lives for Christ by providing safe and affordable housing and a path forward to a transformed life with the love and support of a whole congregation – and a community – walking alongside them with love, prayer, tangible support and encouragement where they need it most.

“The approach of the ROCHouse ministry to truly transform the lives of people one household at a time is inspiring. With the Providence Place build, the church is tripling its ability to make a difference through this ministry.”  Rev. Mike Crawford, North District Superintendent, United Methodist Church Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference.

“Pekin First United Methodist Church has proven to be a community partner to many and in many ways. This construction project will bring about a place that offers hope and light to those it will house. Their dedicated team is truly to be commended and encouraged as they progress through this project.”  Amy McCoy, Executive Director, Pekin Chamber of Commerce.

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the floods came and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been found on rock.”  Matt. 7: 24-25

For additional information contact:  Valerie Moehle, 309-267-0253; [email protected]