Southern states hit hard by tornadoes
Filed Under: Arkansas, COR, National News, tornado
WELS congregations are involved in cleanup efforts following a series of tornadoes that raged through Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Kentucky on Feb. 5. Although initial reports indicate no WELS members were injured or experienced significant property damage, WELS Committee Relief (COR) has donated $5,000 each to two congregations in Arkansas for community assistance.
In Gassville, Ark., a town of approximately 1,700 people, a category F2 tornado damaged approximately 300 homes and left more than 120 uninhabitable. In the wake of this disaster, members of Trinity congregation in nearby Mountain Home, Ark., organized a cleanup crew. On Feb. 9 the volunteers headed into Gassville, where they cleared downed branches and trees, put tarps on damaged roofs, and boarded up broken windows.
"People were really impressed that we came to help them, and grateful for how much we cleaned up in such a short time," says David Kapler, pastor at Trinity. "Many asked what church we are connected with, so we talked to them and encouraged them with the gospel too. We just talked about being grateful that the Lord spared their lives, and taking that a bit farther, about how God didn’t spare his own Son and yet he spares us."
With the help of COR funds and contributions from congregation members, Trinity is planning another cleanup session in Gassville. Future plans include providing meals for displaced residents and securing additional funding to begin a rebuilding project. "I think what spurred this project on is just the desire to help people," says Kapler. "Our members are thankful God spared their lives and property, and now they are eager to let their lights shine and help others who have gone through the tragedy."
Another WELS congregation, Faith in Russellville, Ark., will be using COR funds to support community relief efforts in Atkins, one of the nearby towns devastated by a category F4 tornado. For more information, or to support relief efforts financially, visit www.welsrelief.net
