Hope for Joplin

Over the past week, stories about the devastation in Joplin, MO have been all over the news.  Reporters on the scene continue to repeat that mere pictures and video footage do not do justice to the scope of the destruction.

They are absolutely right.

On Saturday my parents and I went to Joplin to help clean up the home of some family friends.  They had debris covering their house and yard.  Windows were broken.  Part of their driveway had been lifted when the tree next to it was uprooted.  Their rear windows of both of their cars were broken after being tossed into the trees that once stood in their yard.  The cars were full of debris.  They had no electricity.  Despite all the damage to their own home, their house is still standing and they are still alive, putting them among the lucky ones affected by the Joplin tornado.  Just down the street from their home is where the worst of the tornado’s damage begins.

Seeing the extent of the human or material loss in Joplin in person was something I couldn’t prepare my heart for.  It’s devastating.  But don’t be fooled by the bleak imagery—our God is at work in Joplin!

During my few hours cleaning the yard, four or five carloads of people drove by the house, offering sandwiches, water, snacks, medicine, and Band-Aids.  Some were from the city, some were from churches, some were just citizens trying to lend a hand.  Electricity companies from all over the region lined the street, trying to get power back to the houses that were still standing.  Every yard had volunteers in it, ready to get to work.  Aid stations were set up all over town.  The restaurant we stopped at on our way out of town had shopping carts full of clothing free for the taking.  The atmosphere was full of encouragement and hope.  It was a truly incredible experience.

I consider myself privileged to have been able to be the hands and feet of my Jesus as I worked alongside my parents and our friends.  I had been praying for this community since the tornado had hit, but there is just something different about actually being with the people affected and ministering directly to them.  I’ll never forget it. 

There is a long road to recovery ahead, and there is so much still to be done.  Pray for the people and volunteers there.  Pray that God will show his love to Joplin and that salvation will come to that city.  Pray about how you can be used to help the community there.  You can give securely or sign up to volunteer on the United Way of the Ozarks website.  I would encourage you to give and go now, and save up time and money to give and go a few months from now.  The need will still be great.  Take advantage of this opportunity to be the church and reach out to the hurting.  There are few things closer to the heart of God than that.