We Just Had A Tornado

 A tornado passed through our community last Friday night, March 14, 2025. It is shocking to see what a level 2 tornado can do: turn vehicles over, even trucks, bring large trees down on houses and cars, break power poles in half and bring power lines down, tear roofs and carports off, and send them hundreds of feet away, break windows, and do so much damage to siding on houses. Of course, that leaves people without electrical power. With broken windows and leaking roofs, people find the contents of their homes wet and damaged.

We have spent the last few days helping our community return to their houses. Cutting up trees, clearing debris, putting windows back into houses, and putting tarps on damaged roofs is a lot of work, but it brings people together. I have seen the men who work day and night restoring electrical power and have a great respect for the work they do. We here in Missouri did not have the worst damage--that happened in Arkansas and Alabama, but we have an idea of the power of these storms. Our hearts go out to those who lost a loved one in these storms. There were dozens of them over nine states.

It is challenging to experience a storm like this. You feel a mix of emotions—gratitude for surviving, shock at the destruction, and exhaustion. However, there’s also a deep sense of community as neighbors come together to help each other. Though exhausted from the work I have done, I am grateful that people are willing to help each other in times like these.

Each time we experience a natural disaster, we are reminded how fragile life is for all of us. Many people find their faith strengthened, seeing God’s hand in protecting lives and the kindness of those who step up to help. Even amid destruction, these storms often reveal people’s resilience and the power of unity.