Churches Unite To Rebuild Tornado-Shattered Community
Barbara and Terry Humphrey were filled with gratitude as they watched volunteers from the Texans on Mission Rolling Timbers Disaster Response team remove a massive oak tree that had fallen onto their property during a recent tornado. The tree had also crushed their nephew’s travel trailer, which was nearly flattened by the storm. Fortunately, he had left the trailer just 20 minutes before the tornado struck, narrowly escaping injury.
Barbara expressed deep appreciation for the volunteers’ help, noting how overwhelmed and thankful she felt. The fallen oak, measuring nearly three feet in diameter, was a daunting sight, and she called the aid from the team a “Godsend.” Terry echoed her sentiments, praising both their neighbors and the Texans on Mission group for their swift, hands-on support. He admired the volunteers’ willingness to jump right into action without hesitation.
The tornado, classified as an EF2, tore through the Humphreys’ neighborhood near Ellison Creek Reservoir and continued its path of destruction across the lake. Lakeview Baptist Assembly, located on the opposite shore, suffered major damage, with hundreds of trees downed and vehicles tossed and destroyed. Reports highlighted the significant progress in recovery efforts, largely thanks to volunteers like those from Texans on Mission.
The disaster response team set up operations in Lakeview’s dining hall and began organizing relief efforts almost immediately. Volunteer Kathy McAlester coordinated requests for aid, noting how densely populated areas were especially hard hit. Many buildings, including the worship center where over a hundred women took shelter, sustained damage, though everyone inside remained safe.
Assessors and relief teams from multiple areas, including Harmony-Pittsburg and Bluebonnet, quickly began work using chainsaws and heavy machinery. One assessor, Doug Clower, recounted a house nearly split in half by trees, narrowly avoiding tragedy. Chaplain Rick Crouch offered emotional support to affected residents, many of whom were overwhelmed and uncertain about what steps to take. He assured them that the help was completely free, emphasizing the volunteers’ mission: to serve in the name of Christ, without expecting anything in return.