Deadly Tornadoes Sweep Across Five Southern States

Wednesday, February 6, A.D. 2008

Leaving behind an erratic path of death and destruction, a swarm of vicious tornadoes swept across the deep South late last night and early this morning. Thus far, at least fifty people are reported to have been killed. Hundreds of homes, along with businesses, schools, farms and other properties, have been destroyed or damaged. Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi and Alabama experienced one of the worst 24-hour tornado periods in nearly 20 years.

The Week of Compassion Office is in contact with scores of congregations, as well as regional offices in the affected states, and thus far, has not learned of any impact on Disciples families or facilities. We are also monitoring developments with Church World Service disaster staff and will have a better picture of affected communities and possible relief responses as assessments continue. If you learn of Disciples churches or members affected, please contact WOC right away: 317.713.2450 or jwray@woc.disciples.org.

The west Tennessee city of Jackson was especially hard hit, including Union University. Several areas of the town were still recovering from a major tornado that hit there just a few years ago. Jay Hutchens is the pastor of The Promise Church, a new congregation in Jackson. Below are excerpts from a letter he sent to his members this morning. WOC is, of course, ready to support the efforts of responding congregations, as well as channel Disciples resources to interfaith and community partners who are assisting tornado relief and recovery initiatives.

Dear Members of TPC,

Last night many of us huddled with our families in the "safest" place we could find in our homes while listening to the radio of the news of the storm's approach to Jackson. Susan, Neeley, and I sat at the bottom of the stairs next to the garage and prayed for Jackson and the surrounding areas. Neeley then prayed her own prayer which was incomprehensible to us except for the "Amen" at the end. In many ways, our prayers were answered, as what could have been disastrous in terms of loss of life caused mostly property damage. Property can be repaired. Our prayers go with the families of the two in Madison County and the eighteen in West Tennessee and Kentucky who lost their lives last night.

The coming days we will hear more stories of loss as well as stories of courage. Promise Church has an opportunity, as our city suffers, to minister with grace and love. There will be calls for food, clothing, and money to help people who lost everything get back on their feet again. We will work closely with JAMA (Jackson Area Minister's Association) to determine what we can do together. As we learn of the needs, we will let you know how we can best respond as a church.

We love you all and are praying for each of you by name.

Jay and Susan Hutchens