“Overwhelming” – the gripping headline on the front page of the newspaper in Henagar, Alabama.  That simple word sums up the mood of the sweet people of the south.  As we traveled to serve and help, we became overwhelmed as our eyes looked upon the devastation, as our ears listened to stories of heartbreak, as our shoulders were cried upon by sweet widows and our lips said countless prayers of healing.  Overwhelmed, but God was not overshadowed, if anything His presence outshone the rubble, the lifeless landscape, and tears of sorrow.

Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.

In the same way, let your light shine before men,

that they may see your good deeds,

and praise your Father in heaven.”  
Matthew 5:14-16

Our team arrived at a mother (age: 80) and sons’ (ago: 60) property, who live right beside one another, both widowed.  Ms. Marie lost her husband 36 years ago, and William lost his wife only 2 years ago to cancer.  Before we began, we noticed immediately that William had tried very hard to do some of the work on his property himself, yet became overwhelmed with the enormity of the task.  So, he was very grateful that we were helping hands.  He even brought a cooler filled with drinks out to us and opened up his home for restrooms, which we were thankful for.

Three big trees had been blown down by the storm: one on the house, one on the fence and the other on a car.  Our team cut, chopped and placed the limbs and branches into brush piles by the tractor and by hand.  With several days of work behind us, our bodies were more tired and stiff, but we all pushed through despite aches and pains.

Because Ms. Marie had to be a work, we presented Bibles to her and her son, and prayed before the job was completed.  She was so gracious and thankful as tears streamed down her face.  She even said, “In 36 years since my husband died, no one has ever helped me.” We felt so grateful to be helping this sweet widow.

Then worked continued…

We worked until mid-afternoon, and once we finally completed the job, we again, prayed with William in a circle holding hands.  This is where the Lord worked in a mighty way.  He began crying and barely choked out that he had been watching us, working and helping people we didn’t even know.  William said that when we presented the Bible to him earlier in the day, it dawned on him….he did not even own a Bible.  He was saved at the age of 14, but since had been lead astray.  He felt the Lord slowly breaking him down over the past few years, and he was ready for a change.  William also said that he had not attended church in a very long time, because had been not living right. But, “you people” (as he said) had given him inspiration, and he was thinking about going on Sunday! It was a very beautiful moment as we spoke of what the Lord had done in our own lives and why we feel lead to serve others.  As we all held hands and prayed together, the Holy Spirit was there, and no one had a dry eye in sight.

Yes, we were blessed.  So very blessed.

Pray for William and his sweet mother, Marie.
Five of the 14 team members traveled home last night, everyone made it safely.
Pray for the remaining 9 team members, for strength, for safety and for the Lord to open more doors to share His beautiful name.

We were blessed yesterday to help an elderly widow and her family, removing massive uprooted trees and limbs from their house and yard.  At the beginning of the morning, you could hardly see her house trailer, and by the end of the afternoon, her yard looked almost back to normal.

Our team worked well together, some operating chainsaws, driving tractors, chopping wood, while others piled tree limbs and branches, raked leaves and stacked firewood for this sweet lady.  Also, the women on the team were able to spend time loving on her and her family during the day, talking and listening to stories of that tragic morning. Before we left, we prayed with her and her family, and also presented Bibles that were signed by each team member.  Her tears showed her appreciation and gratitude.

We also completed another very quick job before we ended our day, by removing another tree at a local families house.

The community of Henagar, is on the outskirts of the severe devastation.  However, yesterday we were able to travel 9 miles to the town of Rainsville where the F4 tornado hit directly.  We stopped by at church that lost 2 members and met a brother in Christ, Lee, that was working in the parking lot.  Sadly, he lost 3 family members.  There were also 19 people killed in the Huddle House (restaurant like a Waffle House).  We hugged him and prayed with him before we left.  This community is grieving.

Today we begin another set of jobs ministering to families who have lost so much. Pray for safety and open doors to share the gospel.

Please pray for safety as some of our team members are driving back to Bowling Green tonight.

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:5-6