“I lift up my eyes to the hills–where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121: 1-2
Last Wednesday, April 27th, life changed for thousands across our Southern United States. Never before seen massive tornadoes left a path of death and destruction for so many, including some of our readers.
Those of us who live in the South are accustomed to tornado sirens, storm shelters, and the occasional tornado. This far exceeded anything seen in generations. The town where my husband’s family lives, Hackleburg, AL, lost everything–schools, stores, city government, and many lives to an E5 tornado.
This is a photo of my husband’s aunt’s home:
Here is a powerful video from Hackleburg and Phil Campbell, AL.
You can also read of MMCW writer Tracey Cagle’s sister Tabatha’s story in yesterday’s Los Angeles Times here. This is Tabatha’s home:
Over the last few days the outpouring to the residents of Hackleburg, AL is being played out across the South in multiple communities. It is breathtaking to see believers of various denominations come together in unity for one another. The need is great–if you would like to help, here are some ways:
* American Red Cross.
Donate online at the Red Cross. If you would like to specify an area, consider Marion County, Alabama–the home county of Tracey Cagle and me.
If you would like to volunteer in the Hamilton, AL area (my hometown) and Hackleburg, AL (Tracey’s hometown) your group can contact the Red Cross offices in Hamilton at 205.921.1101. For large truck deliveries, please coordinate through the Red Cross as they have a staging location and distribution system in place.
* Samaritan’s Purse.
Samaritan’s Purse does much more than Operation Shoebox, including providing disaster relief. Donations and opportunities to volunteer on the ground available.
* Your denominational disaster relief ministry. Within hours local denominational ministries such as Marion County Baptist Association were on site. They are still there along with other ministries. Contact your church’s national disaster relief ministry for volunteer and donation information.
* Couponing. If you are an extreme coupon maven, put that stockpile of 500 tubes of toothpaste to use! If you’re just starting out, look for non-perishable supplies and paper products that can be used by a relief organization.
* Organize a rebuilding mission trip to the South this summer through your local church. There are no words powerful enough to convey the loss experienced. Residents are still in the recovery stage and next will come clean-up followed by rebuilding. Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, all need help–pick a state and go.
* Prayer. The two words I’ve heard repeatedly are overwhelming and helpless. Please pray for the peace, provision, strength, and mercy of God. Men, women, and children are still missing and families need prayers rising on their behalf this week. The weather forecast is for rain, please pray for good weather as everyone works to salvage whatever they can. Most of all pray that the Lord will be glorified and souls will be saved during this time.
If you or your family has been affected by the tornadoes last week, please leave a comment with the name of your town and any prayer requests. Let’s agree together in prayer for the Lord to work in a mighty way in the hearts of those suffering right now and to bring His healing and comfort.
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