A New Home for Hope Des Moines: Emmaus Church

In January 2025, Emmaus Church launched in Des Moines, Iowa with a bold vision, to reach Drake University students, the city's foster care community, and downtown's young professionals with the hope and freedom found in Christ. Drake University, known as one of the most secular campuses in the Midwest, lacked a Spirit-filled church presence, leaving students without a safe place to grow in faith. Downtown Des Moines, home to 100,000 residents and the highest concentration of millennials in any mid-sized U.S. city, also lacked such a church. With a $30,000 investment from the God-Sized Vision Fund, Emmaus Church was able to furnish and equip its adult worship space, creating a portable yet welcoming sanctuary for weekly services. The goal: 100-120 attendees by Palm Sunday. For foster youth, college students, and young professionals alike, Emmaus Church is becoming a place of spiritual refuge, and a launching point for revival in the heart of Iowa.