Alabama Tornado Relief
A pastor’s reflection
PROUD - Of our church as it decided to physically assist people in their time of need.
- Of our Christian community who gave financially in a sacrificial way.
GRATITUDE - For making new friends at Christ the King Lutheran Church, Hoover, Alabama. (C.T.K.L.C.)
- For 2,150 miles of safe travel and beautiful fellowship along the way.
- For the long term relief workers who became our friends.
- For memories that will last a life time.
- For the blessing of having a place to come home to in Boerne.
JOY - The voice of a little 4-year old girl, speaking with a sweet southern accent…"Pastor, thank you for my pretty new shoes".
- The handshakes of strong men who were so moved by our efforts and presence that they could not speak the words, "Thank You". Handshakes, tear filled eyes, and nods of the head said all that needed to be said.
- The consuming / breath-taking / emotional hugs of women saying, We’ll never forget what you did for us. Never.
- Images of our team listening to tragic personal stories with heartfelt sincerity.
- Memories of our team accompanying survivors as they began to re-build their lives.
SATISFACTION - Knowing that each person on the team gave all that he/she had to give, and it was good.
- Knowing that the love of God in Christ Jesus is alive and well within the church.
- Knowing that the people of St John Lutheran church made a powerful difference.
APPRECIATION - Of a wheel barrel’s ability to carry hundreds of pounds of cut trees.
- Of powerful chain saws and even of the Barbie doll chain saw.
- Of smooth road of Texas, Mississippi, Alabama. (Louisiana not included J )
- Of friends who noticed exhaustion and encouraged rest.
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