THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! We cannot say it enough. What an incredible two and a half weeks we have had at Central Church of Christ. It all started bright and early on the morning after the storm with work crews meeting at the church and going out to clear debris, cut trees, salvage memories and love families within our own church who were impacted by the storm. Later that day, ladies gathered to cook a wonderful spaghetti supper for all of us who had been working all day and who were without power. The next day, hot dog lunches and coolers of bottled water were delivered to these families and another meal was prepared as many of our members came to the church building to wash clothes and enjoy a few moments in a building that had lights and air conditioning!
As each day passed, our outreach grew. Neighbors of church members began to be blessed by our chainsaw crews. Word got out that Central was "making a big difference" in the tornado relief effort, and donations started coming into the building. We set up two folding tables outside the kitchen and marveled at how generous everyone was. We had no idea what was about to happen!
Over the weekend, more donations came in, and on Sunday, we came together to cry together, comfort each other and worship our King. Our church family who had power were incredibly kind to prepare an outstanding lunch for all of us who did not have power. We enjoyed a much needed time of fellowship with each other. The bounty was so plentiful that we packed up plates and set out delivering them in devastated areas around Limestone County. By Sunday, the magnitude of how widespread the damage was became our new reality. The shock wore off, and we got serious about helping in a big way.
The following week, fliers were created and distributed all around the community. We had announcements placed on all the local radio and television stations. What started with some spaghetti, hot dogs, bottled water and 2 little tables quickly grew and grew each day. When half the gym was full, we couldn't believe it. By the end of the week, the entire gym was full of food, cleaning supplies, baby items, kitchen essentials, linens, personal hygiene items, toys, school supplies and furniture. We received donations from so many in our community and also from Georgia, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Complete strangers whom none of us knew drove up with truckloads of supplies and asked us to help get them out to people in need. We are so thankful for all of these donations, and we are happy to say that we did just that.
Throughout that week, we helped dozens of families find temporary housing. Through the monetary donations we received, we helped pay deposits, buy mattresses, and create new "homes" for so many who had lost everything. We had so many God moments--a huge need would arise, such as a need for a house or a washer and dryer, and literally within minutes, someone would call or email with the answer to our prayer. Such a blessing to witness God's influence and comfort for these families in need! We helped families in Limestone County, Madison County, Phil Campbell, Cullman and beyond. Countless meals were prepared and shared. As our food and supplies would run alarmingly low, another truck would call and come, replenishing what had been taken.
So many hours, so many volunteers, so many donations and so many memories--all for the glory of God. Our prayer is that all these families who have been helped will thank God, not us, for all these things have come from Him. We also pray that He will be glorified as His children have been about the business of serving our community. We praise Him in this storm!
Even today, a co-worker of one of our members drove up and gave us a car--just signed over the title and asked us to give it to someone who needs it, literally hours after we heard of a family who needed a car. So many amazing stories such as this prove to us that He is real and working in all of our lives. God is good all the time.
Now, we are turning the page in our tornado relief efforts. Tomorrow we will be boxing up the remaining items we have in our gym and moving them to a smaller storage room. It is time for us to shift gears, as most of the storm victims in our county are now in temporary housing and on their way. Our new focus in the coming week will be to provide ongoing support to these families as well as to expand our outreach to some of the smaller towns in North Alabama who have not received as much attention or help.
As we turn this page, we ask that you please let anyone affected by the storms know that we are still here for them. If someone has a need, please call 256-232-2014, and our members will work with you to help you in any way we can.
We also ask for your continued monetary support. The road to recovery is long, and we will continue to accept monetary donations to buy whatever supplies are needed for these families and for communities in North Alabama. You may continue to donate in two ways:
- Mail a check to Central Church of Christ Tornado Relief, 320 U.S. Highway 31, Athens, AL 35611.
- Donate via Paypal at www.central-churchofchrist.com
So many people have told us we were changing lives over these past weeks. Actually, the lives we have changed have been our own. Our eyes have been opened to the tremendous needs all around us for the love of Jesus, and we know we will never be the same. We pray that we will continue to serve as fountains of His love in a world starving for grace. May we continue to shine the light of hope and peace that only comes through Jesus Christ as we continue on our journey to Love God, Love Each Other and Serve the World.
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