Operation Blessing: A Beginning of Hope

They say it's like an oncoming train a giant funnel ... people running for cover. That's how we think of a tornado. Well those images proved true in the fall of 2002: 70 of these monsters ravaged the southeastern United States, killing 35 people. The hardest hit area was Morgan County, Tennessee.

"I was looking up through the floor and I just saw the house leave," said Larry Schaefer.

The newscasters described the devastation. "When she realized and went home to the Joyner community, her home was gone completely gone."

Seven people in Morgan County are part of that death toll. A woman named Sally lost both her husband and her granddaughter when a tornado struck their car. More than a hundred homes - and another hundred vehicles - were damaged, if not completely destroyed.

Just looking at the devastation a baby blanket, a child's bike, clothing, a shoe. In a moment your life is swept away - all your belongings, house, car, personal items. Look, here's a dishwasher and a teddy bear. But pulling into town today is an Operation Blessing truck filled with supplies - work gloves, trash bags, bleach, blankets and water. It won't rebuild their lives, but it's a start - and it lets them know somebody cares.

When Operation Blessing rolled in to Morgan County to join the many relief agencies on the scene, the situation turned a corner.

"I think you have one of the best jobs in CBN," Lisa Ryan declares to Herb, an Operation Blessing truck driver.

"It just makes you feel warm," Herb replies, "it really does."

"You see it on TV and in the paper, but when it comes drivin' into your area, your home, into Mossy Grove, I was so thrilled to see that big truck right across from my house with your ministry on it," declares a resident named Brenda. "It's a real blessing from God that people really care - really care."

Larry Schaefer needed someone to care

"Oh, I was a-prayin'!"

A pile of damaged cars marks the place that used to be his living room. It's all gone now. And he was pinned down by a wall before being rescued. Larry not only lost his house, but three of his neighbors were killed.

"Twenty-five years ago I thought I was saved," Larry says, "but I was saved Sunday night. He's given me a taste of what I had facing me and given me a chance to straighten up."

No matter the loss, Larry feels that he's gained.

"I'm not the same man I was a week ago - I'm a better man. It's time for me to start helping people instead of thinking of self. If anyone doubts there's a God, he better not say that to me."

The folks of Morgan County will do their share of grieving. But when others show they care - like you do when you give to CBN - it's part of the healing!

"When I seen that big truck - it's like putting legs on your prayers - there they were!" Brenda says with tears in her eyes. "And I thank you, thank you, thank you!"

If you are not a partner, please join with us. For 65 cents a day -- $20 a month -- you minister to people like those in Morgan County, who need a tangible expression of God's love. Click here to join today!