"The area has given so much to our ministry, this is it just coming back," said John 3:16 Instructor Cole McAllister.
Men from the John 3:16 program in Poplar Bluff have been out and about in Van Buren this past week doing odds-and-ends jobs beautifying the area.
"Anything we can do to help," John 3:16 Instructor Daniel Gleghorn said. "We live to serve. That's what Jesus did and that's how we do things."
After arriving in town Sunday evening, the men went to work Monday morning and will finish Friday.
A total of 151 men spread about Van Buren landscaping around the community center, power washed the courthouse, performed carpentry work at resident's homes following the Spring 2017 flood and much more.
After seeing the men in red shirts throughout town helping beautify the area, McAllister said residents felt blessed they were there to help.
"It's more of a blessing for us to be here and help with the community," he said.
In spite of the devastation the area suffered following the 2017 flood, Gleghorn said the community was upbeat and happy while still in the process of rebuilding.
Residents have fed the men and The Landing owner, Tom Bedell, donated space for the group to stay while in Van Buren.
"The Landing is top notch and one of the best river resorts I've stayed at," McAllister said. "We have been treated well and this is more than we deserve."
Bedell's son, Matt, is a supporter and graduate of John 3:16 and said the ultimate goal of the ministry is to keep men off drugs and alcohol.
"We want the men to make a presence in the community and build relationships," he said.
A family night was held Tuesday evening at The Landing for area residents to come and enjoy a cookout with the men.
John 3:16 Instructor Michael Veach said the trip to Van Buren was the first outing for the entire campus in five years.
"It has been wonderful to get off campus and this is something different for the guys," he said. "I love serving and I'm happy to help."