Several WELS members' homes and property were damaged in early May when severe storms caused tornadoes in Oklahoma and flooding in Tennessee. No WELS members were hurt in these disasters.

Twenty-nine tornadoes touched down in Oklahoma on May 10. Rev. John Strackbein, pastor at Holy Cross, Oklahoma City, reports that two member families and one friend of the congregation had extensive damage to their homes and property. One member lost almost all of his farm implements; the other lost her barn, garage, and half of her roof. The home where the friends of the congregation were living was destroyed. Other members had significant damage to their homes from baseball-sized hail. The church and parsonage also had minor damage.

"Plans and lives were drastically changed, but we have one constant, a changeless loving God," says Strackbein. "All gave thanks, not only that God had spared their lives but also that God had given them another opportunity to exercise their faith and strengthen their trust in God."

The WELS Committee on Relief (COR) is currently assessing damage and considering the congregation's relief request. Strackbein says that members already have been helping with clean up. The congregation also received letters and cards from its neighboring congregation, Gethsemane, Oklahoma City, whose members were not affected by the storms. "Acts of love like this mean so much when tragedy hits," says Strackbein.

In Tennessee, Rev. Matt Brown, pastor at Beautiful Savior, Clarksville, reports that several members had extensive water damage to their homes from massive storms that dropped 13.5 inches of rain on the area May 1 and 2, causing rivers to flood. The COR has granted $500 to help with immediate needs for those families. Mr. Mark Vance, COR director of operations, says that the COR may be receiving more requests for relief dollars from Clarksville and other churches in the area.

To learn more or to donate, go to www.wels.net/relief.