After the Devastation of April 27

Screen shot of the tornado as it entered Tuscaloosa, Ala.

It’s a beautiful, sunny day in Birmingham today, but just 24 hours ago that was not the case. Horrible and devastating tornados and thunderstorms ripped through Alabama and other parts of the southeast yesterday (Wednesday).  At this time reports indicate more than 250 lives have been lost, and as of yet, there is no count as to how many homes and businesses have been lost. 

On a day like today, as the sun shines, we find ourselves grateful and grieving all at the same time.   




Doors were used as gurneys to carry away the injured.
Copyright, 2011, The Birmingham News. All rights reserved.
Reprinted with permission.

We are grateful for the lives that have been spared and yet, we grieve for those that have been lost. We grieve not only for the loss of life, but for the loss of time, well-being, security, and innocence. To say the very least, we feel scarred by the unpredictable and uncontrollable nature of the weather we experienced.

As you read these words, know that we covet your prayers for the people of Alabama and other affected areas.

We ask you to pray for peace, for calm, and for an abundance of resources to meet needs. In addition, we also ask you to pray for churches and the teenage girls and guys within them. Pray for the students who are planning to come to Blume.  Ask God to use this experience to soften their hearts toward Him, and to provide them opportunities to be His hands and feet to the world.



Bystanders look at storm damage along 15th Street in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

If you know of any churches or communities who have been planning to send teenage girls to Blume, and have now been drastically affected by yesterday’s weather event, please let us know.  Be assured of our prayers for all those affected, and know that we will do all we can to demonstrate the love of Christ to others.

In the aftermath of this week’s storms we are reminded of the simple, yet powerful words of Jesus, “Peace, be still,” and we know that the wind and the waves obey Him.

Blessings to you,

Suzanne