Central Church of Christ Tornado Recovery: Thursday Recap

Once again today, we were open from 9am-4pm and once again had more people come in than the day before. We expect that trend to continue tomorrow and Saturday. Here are a few of today's highlights.

This morning, our members were in a rental property seeing if it would be suitable for a family in need. As they were looking around they observed the washer/dryer connection and commented on how we would need to find those appliances. At that very moment, a cell phone rang and on the other end was an individual who had bought a new washer and dryer to donate. God is good all the time.
We received numerous calls from churches outside the state of Alabama from as far north as Ohio and as far west as Louisiana. They all say the same thing: we're getting resources together and want to know how we can help. There was a couple from Ohio who drove their own 18-wheeler to Alabama, stopping along the way at churches of Christ to pick up furniture and supplies. Even more amazing is that East Limestone has not been in the national spotlight as far as I know. Most attention was placed on Tuscaloosa and Birmingham. Therefore it is even more extraordinary that people of faith from around the country are calling us. We appreciate it and praise God because He has provided so much! Just knowing that there are Christians around the country thinking about and praying for people in our community who lost loved ones and property gives us such strength.
At one point we ran out of pillows. We put out a text message and a blog post. Fifteen minutes later, pillows began arriving and we now have a table full (even after those who came through later took some of them). Thanks to everyone who posted that on Facebook or Twitter or anywhere else and made that happen so quickly.
The most amazing part of the day was when the first truck from Tennessee arrived around 3:00pm. Three others followed shortly after. What can only be described as a small army that appeared as if from nowhere unloaded the many, many, many pieces of furniture. A special thanks to Coach Oakley and the AHS soccer team who came after school. What should have taken hours took only minutes. I did not keep track of it, but I believe all four trucks were unloaded in less than an hour. Russ King then presented two checks and a large sum of cash to help with needs that have arisen from the storms. The total deposited in the bank today was over $15,000. That money will put numerous families in homes and the furniture will fill those homes. Words can not describe the significance of such gifts. This is especially significant because many of these churches are the same ones that suffered from the floods about one year ago. Alabama sent help to them, and now they are sending help to Alabama. "Bear one another's burdens and thereby fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2).
Morris Schrimsher came by the building today to pick out songs for Sunday's morning worship service. For those of you who don't know, Morris and his wife Patty survived an EF5 tornado but their home did not. They sheltered in a safe room constructed specifically for severe weather. Their former home is featured in the video so many of you have watched. We hope that we are not spoiling any surprises, but Morris has elected to sing "Til the Storm Passes By" which he says has a new meaning to him now.

Tomorrow will be another typical day, with us opening from 9am-4pm. Volunteers are still needed during those hours. Many of the people who have been working during the morning hours will be gone tomorrow, so we may need a few extra volunteers. Of course, the morning does tend to be somewhat slower in terms of people coming to collect items.

We are so grateful for everyone who has contributed to this effort!