Hard-Won Joy

marking the 3rd Week of Advent,
​and the first anniversary of the western Kentucky tornadoes

Sunday December 11 marks the start of the third week of Advent, traditionally the week of JOY. For many in western Kentucky, the joy is hard-won and tinged with grief, as this weekend (December 10) also marked one year since the deadly and devastating tornado outbreak in western Kentucky. The most damaging reach of the outbreak was a long-track tornado that tore through 11 counties, destroying thousands of homes, with especially severe impacts in Mayfield and Dawson Springs. Communities across the area are in the early phases of long-term recovery, with years of rebuilding still ahead.

Disciples have a strong presence; many congregations in the area responded quickly to the needs of their neighbors, and remain in close collaboration with Week of Compassion.

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​There is great need for volunteers, especially with so many counties across Kentucky in the midst of recovery, both from Dec 2021 tornadoes and the 2022 summer floods. "Don't forget us," says Rev. Rachel Nance Woehler, Minister to the Christian Church In Kentucky West Area, noting that one year on, rebuilding is just getting started in many communities. 

​For information about multiple volunteer opportunities, fill out a volunteer interest form.

First Christian Church, Madisonville, Ky continues to host volunteer teams with Fuller Center Disaster ReBuilders for home repair and rebuild across Hopkins County, where Disciples are also involved with The Hopkins County Long Term Recovery Committee. A recent Week of Compassion seed grant enabled the purchase of office equipment, tools, and building material to help the LTRC assist some of the 1700 households initially on their call list.
First Christian Church of Paducah is preparing to host volunteer teams coordinated by International Orthodox Christian Charities, as well as collaborating with Be The Neighbor next summer. Volunteers will be working primarily in Mayfield (and surrounding Graves County), where Week of Compassion has provided grant support to the Mayfield Graves County LTRG for an innovative project supporting new homeownership among renters displaced by the tornado.

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​Also in Mayfield, Second Christian Church Disciples of Christ continues to meet immediate needs for tornado-affected neighbors. First Christian Church of Mayfield Kentucky is supporting multiple housing initiatives, while moving ahead with plans for their own rebuilding since their historic church building was destroyed.

First Christian Church-Disciples of Christ Princeton, Kentucky also continues to host rebuild volunteers through Operation Recovery - CrossRoads Missions. Worship this weekend will include moments of remembrance while also enjoying the annual children's program. In the community, a countywide memorial service will precede the annual Christmas parade.

Even amid the sorrow of loss and the struggles to rebuild, Advent joy breaks in - let every heart prepare.

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- story, with Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) In Kentucky
- photo credits: Fuller Center Disaster ReBuilders, Hopkins County Long Term Recovery Committee, and Mayfield Graves County LTRG