Tornado Survivors Say Faith Carried Them When Nothing Else Could
Carla Robinette of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, recalled the terrifying night when a tornado ripped through her neighborhood, causing widespread damage. Lying in bed during the storm, she described hearing thunder and crashing sounds and turning to prayer in desperation. After the storm passed, she found significant damage to her property, including downed trees, a destroyed back porch, and debris scattered across her yard.
Robinette’s experience echoed that of many others in her community after a powerful EF3 tornado swept through southeastern Missouri, impacting 27 counties and resulting in multiple fatalities across the state. As recovery efforts began, Robinette received assistance from Texans on Mission, a disaster relief group that helped clear debris and limbs from her home. Emotionally moved by their help, she expressed deep gratitude for the volunteers and their willingness to serve with kindness and faith.
Bruce Slaven, leading the Harmony-Pittsburg unit of Texans on Mission, noted the widespread damage throughout Robinette’s neighborhood. His team focused on removing debris and tree limbs to restore a sense of normalcy to residents. Slaven emphasized that beyond physical aid, their mission also included sharing the hope and comfort of their Christian faith with those affected by the disaster.
Steve Gilbert, a chaplain with the Collin County response team, explained that his primary role was to offer spiritual support to homeowners. In addition to helping the team on the ground, he spent time listening to and ministering to those emotionally impacted. The team also gifted signed Bibles and shared Scripture as a reminder that their work was rooted in compassion, not compensation.
Wendell Romans, Texas Missions’ statewide chainsaw coordinator, described the devastation in Poplar Bluff as one of the most significant deployments they had responded to. Within hours of the tornado, teams were mobilized and fully equipped to handle the crisis. Operating from Temple Baptist Church, over 60 volunteers provided relief while being entirely self-sufficient, bringing their own facilities and equipment. Longtime resident and former mayor Steve Davis, who lost several trees on his property, thanked the team for their swift response and heartfelt efforts, calling their presence a blessing to the community.