Update regarding AL tornadoes

[Editor's Note: This article was originally published 2011/05/04]

Hey Ya’ll!

Just got back yesterday from AL Tornadoes. We assessed the damage in Cullman, Birmingham, Pratt City, Tuscaloosa, Hueytown, Concord, Gieger……just to name a few of the affected areas. There were 312 Tornadoes in 24 hrs, a record, so you can’t imagine the damage. We talked to numerous survivors (amazed that there were ANY in some of the splintered, shredded, flattened areas) and I’ll try to get back to that in a later email and also share some photos. We just wanted to give you a quick update for now.

There is plenty of water and food for people in the devastated areas. Volunteers and neighbors have responded overwhelmingly; the coordination of those volunteers is what is lacking. Samaritan’s Purse had 1000 volunteers show up Sunday which is a bit much even for them. It would be nice if we could stretch the initial response out and make it last past the next big news event. It does show that Americans do have big hearts, and even in a poor economy people give of themselves to help those in need! VERY REFRESHING!

So the question is, what can we/you do?  First of all, continue to remember the families affected in your prayers. If there is anything left of a house, they are afraid to leave for fear of looting (though there is a large force of Army, National Guard, and Police on the ground). For those that the house is gone, that the right agencies would connect with them to provide the basics of life; food, water, hygiene, roof, bed. And for all of them, ask the Lord for comfort and peace of mind. I met a guy Monday who said he hadn’t slept since last Tuesday. When he closed his eyes, he would relive it.

Second is probably a given. You are probably receiving this because you VOLUNTEER. Volunteer through a coordinated effort and agency. If you just show up, chances are, you will waste time that could be used to help others.  And remember: it’s not about the projects, it’s about the people. The projects are just a platform to people’s lives; to share the gospel of Jesus Christ!

Lastly…..What would you do, if in a matter of minutes, everything you own is destroyed? Where would you go, sleep, eat, if those immediately around you were in the same condition? You obviously can’t go to work if it’s still open for business. You have no car, shower, toilet, toothpaste….. Are you connected to a body of believers that would come to the rescue? What if you lost your life in a second, because you really don’t know when it’s your turn….. Are you connected to the Savior? Jesus said “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the FATHER except through ME”. GET CONNECTED and be prepared!

Thank you for the prayers!
In Jesus Name,
Monte

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