Hello,

This morning I received two updates on the tornadoes that struck the center of the country Saturday night and yesterday morning, ending up in Georgia.  So far there have been no injuries among the brethren but there has been some property loss.  Mike Blackwell was near the most damaging tornadoes in Missouri and Oklahoma where 13 people lost their lives.  Here is the update from Mike; followed by an update from Ken Martin in central Georgia.

From Mike Blackwell, Joplin, Missouri:

Howdy, here is an update on the terrible tornadoes that swept through northeast Oklahoma and southwest Missouri on Saturday night.  All of our members escaped without serious personal injury.  All of the brethren in northwest Oklahoma are okay and sustained no damage.  One family in the Joplin congregation, Mr-s Jim Werst, son Matt, daughter Tammy Martensen and two small daughters had their home and place destroyed by the F-3 tornado.  As it crossed Newton County, where it killed 13 people, estimates were that it was 1 mile wide and it is easy to believe based on the level of destruction.  The Werst's home was totally destroyed along with all their outbuildings.  The family took shelter in a walk-in closet off the master bedroom when the storm hit without warning.  They had hail bigger than baseballs and, almost immediately the tornado.  The storm came from the west/southwest.  The master bedroom was on the southwest corner and should have been totally destroyed first.  Instead it was the room which sustained the least damage.  Doors blown off, windows destroyed, a tree limb through the wall, but God protected the family with only a few minor scratches.  As you look at the property and that corner there is absolutely no doubt that God had angel around the family for protection.

The tornado not only destroyed the buildings but two camper trailers on the property totally disappeared with no sign of either, and a semi-truck parked in the field about 300 yards behind the house was picked up and tossed through the air about 450 yards into a ditch beside the road.

Thankfully the family had insurance that will cover most of the costs of their loss, except for pictures and other personal things that had memories attached to them.  The family and all the members in the area are very thankful to God for His mercy and protection.

From Ken Martin, Macon, GA:

 As you know, things got pretty hectic in middle GA on Mother’s Day.  Alert sirens went off 5:30 am that tornadoes were seen and in the area.  Wind, heavy rain and intense lightning flashes were the hallmark of the morning hours.  After things calmed down, it was evident that a lot of damage was sustained in the overall area.   Several locations in the Macon area were hit hard.  Electrical power was knocked out for many throughout the day and night.  Cleanup is presently underway but will take much of the week clearing downed trees and fallen electrical wires.  They believe the area of Bibb County was hit with two F2 tornadoes in light of the damage sustained.  One hit the north side of the county while the other hit the south side.   Thankfully no loss of life! 

After contacting all the brethren in the area, God’s wonderful hand of protection was evident from this damaging storm system.  All were okay.  In addition, our normal meeting hall for Sabbath services was spared while other facilities near by took a heavy hit. 

Please pray for all those who have been affected by the storms.  The news media has stated that this is one of the worst years on record (if not the worst) for tornadoes and damaging storms.  It seems that the traditional tornado areas are not alone.  No part of the country seems to be safe this spring.  I will keep everyone posted as more news comes in.  Take care.

Jim Franks