“An unprecedented swarm of deadly nighttime tornadoes tore through several states from Friday, December 10 into Saturday, December 11, leaving a long trail of death and destruction. Search-and-rescue efforts continue; more than 100 are feared dead.”

This devastating news became daily life for thousands of families from Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri, and Kentucky. According to Samaritan’s Purse, “states across the heartland of the country were battered by at least 50 tornadoes. The worst damage and highest death toll occurred across western Kentucky.” 

This area has a special connection to those of you who read “How to Love Your Neighbor Without Being Weird.” The book is dedicated to Bob, “who represents all of my neighbors.” Bob is a dear friend who lives in our former neighborhood in Ohio. Bob owns a company that makes lids for candles, and one of his longtime customers was the candle factory that was demolished in Mayfield, Kentucky. Bob had visited the factory many times and had made many friends there, as Bob does everywhere he goes.

When the damage is unbelievable and unbearable, far away or more than you can fix on your own, how can we respond?

Send Prayers

Pray for emergency responders and ongoing search efforts; for the many people affected by these storms as they grieve and recover; for volunteers and community leaders as they assess the situation and begin to serve the hurting. Long after the disaster spins out of the 24-hour news cycle, remember to pray for those whose lives are still disrupted and hurting. 

Send Money

Find a reputable organization to make a direct contribution. Oftentimes a local church, charity, or bank will collect donations that will be used in the affected area. Samaritan’s Purse mobilizes and equips thousands of volunteers to provide emergency aid to U.S. victims of wildfires, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. In the aftermath of major storms, they often stay behind to rebuild houses for people with nowhere else to turn for help. 

Send Yourself

Bob is also an organizer for Samaritan’s Purse who has planned several trips around the country as disasters strike. (Did I mention that Bob is in his 80’s?) Eleven months after the tornadoes, I was privileged to serve for a week in Mayfield, Kentucky with Bob, my husband, my cousin, a bunch of our dear friends, and the Samaritan’s Purse rebuilding team.  

This mission filled my heart and wore out my work boots. They teach you everything you need to know, feed you, minister to you all day long, and surround you with the goodness of God. 

The rebuilding efforts after the tornadoes that tore through four states and killed over 90 people last year will take years to rebuild. But spirits are high there, the Holy Spirit has showed up, and he brought a bunch of His people with him.

I can’t wait to go back, and I highly recommend you go, too. Contact me with any questions!