Tag: tornadoes

Sticky post
Religion Unplugged

🌪️ Symbol of hope: Church’s stained-glass windows survive monster tornado 🔌

Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-in” meets readers at the intersection of faith and news. Subscribe now to get this column delivered straight to your inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged SULPHUR, Okla. — A miracle. That’s what Pam Chitwood calls it. To her surprise — and delight — the First Christian Church’s century-old … Continue reading 🌪️ Symbol of hope: Church’s stained-glass windows survive monster tornado 🔌

Bobby Ross Jr.
Sticky post
Christian Chronicle

‘All I could see was destruction’

Christians mobilize to help after monster tornado strikes small Oklahoma town. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle SULPHUR, Okla. â€” After a monster tornado hit this southern Oklahoma town late Saturday night, the Vinita Avenue Church of Christ swung into action. With power out Sunday morning, the congregation — which counted 38 worshipers on a recent Lord’s Day — canceled the regular assembly and focused on helping storm victims. … Continue reading ‘All I could see was destruction’

Bobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

‘Momma, I can see Jesus’

Magnolia Foundation honors legacy of 4-year-old girl killed by Tennessee tornado. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle COOKEVILLE, Tenn. â€” Not long before the tornado that claimed her life, 4-year-old Hattie Jo Collins posed a question. The blond bundle of energy was riding in her family’s minivan with her mother, Macy, and baby sister, Lainey Mae, when she asked it. “We were just driving, running errands,” Macy recalled … Continue reading ‘Momma, I can see Jesus’

Bobby Ross Jr.
Associated Press

For tornado-ravaged Kentucky churches, rebuilding means rethinking

By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Associated Press MAYFIELD, Ky. — Mayfield First United Methodist Church, a century-old temple with stately columns and stained-glass windows, has long been an anchor in the life of Kathy O’Nan, the city’s 68-year-old mayor. She directed the children’s choir for 42 years and attended countless worship services and ceremonies, from weddings to funerals to the baptisms of both her children … Continue reading For tornado-ravaged Kentucky churches, rebuilding means rethinking

Bobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Breaking down barriers — new and old — to help tornado victims

As a Kentucky town recovers from a devastating storm, church members open an unlikely relief center. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle MAYFIELD, Ky. â€” Before the tornado, Penny Wade Smith grew frustrated with the neighborhood behind her business. Rob Smith shared his wife’s concern. As the Christian couple saw it, the residents had become a nuisance — responsible for dumping trash and beer bottles … Continue reading Breaking down barriers — new and old — to help tornado victims

Bobby Ross Jr.
Religion Unplugged

‘We lost everything, but we didn’t lose everything’: Where was God in Mayfield tornado?

By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-in” features analysis, fact checking and top headlines from the world of faith. Subscribe now to get this newsletter delivered straight to your inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. Words fail to convey the emotions in Mayfield, Kentucky, after last weekend’s devastating tornado. Let’s try anyway, directly from the mouths of those relying on … Continue reading ‘We lost everything, but we didn’t lose everything’: Where was God in Mayfield tornado?

Bobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

COVID-19 challenges Christian relief ministries’ response to spring tornadoes

Members of Churches of Christ adapt practices to serve storm victims during the coronavirus pandemic. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle After an EF3 tornado slammed into Jonesboro, Ark., on March 28, the Nettleton Church of Christ could have used the COVID-19 pandemic as an excuse not to help. Instead, the 100-member congregation immediately mobilized while taking precautions designed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. “Because … Continue reading COVID-19 challenges Christian relief ministries’ response to spring tornadoes

Bobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Serving amid COVID-19, husband and wife try to balance safety and compassion

He leads a disaster relief ministry. She works as an ICU nurse. Avoiding the coronavirus is a challenge. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Hours after Easter Sunday tornadoes walloped the twin cities of Monroe and West Monroe in northeastern Louisiana, Ryan Lee came home from working with a chainsaw crew. The mask intended to protect him from the coronavirus dangled around his neck. … Continue reading Serving amid COVID-19, husband and wife try to balance safety and compassion

Bobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

After tornado, a teen grieves her 4-year-old friend

‘You don’t ever think that’s the last time you’re going to see somebody,’ Izzy Stevens says. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle COOKEVILLE, Tenn. â€” Just three nights before the unimaginable happened, Izzy Stevens, 17, laughed with her 4-year-old friend, Hattie Jo Collins, across a table at Pizza Hut. Hattie, known for her colorful headbands adorned with flowers, rainbows and unicorns, was the daughter of … Continue reading After tornado, a teen grieves her 4-year-old friend

Bobby Ross Jr.