Saturday morning the people of Pulaski and Pulaski County woke up to the damage left by two tornado's that ripped through the area. We told you that over 70 homes were destroyed but thankfully no lives were lost. On Sunday, the official relief efforts began to help these families in the recovery process.
Over the last couple of days, PBC had 13 volunteers who aided in the recovery efforts. Yesterday our team was also aided by our one of our SBCV Missionaries (Gary Horton) and a pastor from Pennington Gap. Our focus was to cover roofs that had been left exposed and cover windows that had been busted. The hope in the initial efforts is to keep the homes from taking in more water and sustain the recovery. We saw teams from all over and from all denominations come into Pulaski carrying tools, chainsaws, and a heart to help these families get back on their feet.
In times like these that you realize any and all help is necessary. If climbing a ladder and being on a roof doesn't work for you then you can pick up debris (and trust me: there is plenty of it). I can't tell you how many times I heard "That doesn't belong to me" when referring to things found in the yard. Old tin roofs were peeled off houses like a banana and were resting in the yards of neighbors. Toys, shingles, limbs and trees. Some of the teams on the ground carried rakes and shovels. The Red Cross was going around town handing out water and pizza. Appalachian Power trucks and workers lined the streets working vigorously to restore power.
We were asked several times why we were there. "Does the state pay you to do this?" "Exactly why are you doing this?" I assure you that anyone there that was wearing a yellow DR shirt was there because they wanted to demonstrate the love of God. We want to do more than just fix a roof, cover a window, and pick up debris. In our efforts, we also offer prayer to the victims and the love of Jesus to all who will listen.
As I looked around the area where we were working, I was reminded of a quote concerning relief efforts following Katrina. Some people assumed that God has sent the hurricane. Insurance companies categorize natural disasters as an "act of God." I don't believe that a tornado, hurricane, earthquake, etc. is an act of God. I believe the act of God is seen in the recovery effort. The act of God manifests itself through people who come to extend love and a helping hand. One man told our team that "The good Lord will bless you all for this." I told him that God already has.
We continue to pray for all the families that were affected by the devastation. I look forward to seeing these homes and lives returned to normalcy. And I pray that every home and family is touched by God's amazing love.
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