Covenant News

Tornado Aftermath: More Than Physical Damage

OKLAHOMA CITY (May, 1999) - OKLAHOMA CITY – Still reeling from the emotional impact of Monday's tornado devastation, many Covenant families here are beginning the slow process of rebuilding their lives, with the church playing a key role in helping them put the ordeal into some kind of perspective.

Storms destroyed 18 homes belonging to Covenant families, with many other houses owned by Covenanters suffering significant damage. Three Covenant churches in the area, including Westmoore Community Covenant, Life Covenant, and Cornerstone Covenant, reported no damage.

"What's so amazing is that we know of no injuries, period," said Richard Larson, director of ministries for the Midsouth Region of the Evangelical Covenant Church, in speaking of Covenant families in the affected areas.

"The emotional impact is enormous, not only for those who lost homes, but also for the others who experienced the overwhelming intensity of the storm," Larson said, describing the overall impact in a single word – jarring. He said the church has become a counseling center of sorts, providing a safe and encouraging environment where people can talk through their experiences and try to gain perspective. "When the body of Christ comes together, that kind of emotional processing just takes place as people talk together and pray together," Larson said.

The Westmoore church is serving as a center for the distribution of assistance. Contributions have already been received, including one from a Nebraska Covenant church that sent a load of blankets and clothing. Cash resources have also been made available through Covenant World Relief.

"I encourage Covenanters to pray for these local churches, that they can come together and reflect the kind of compassion and unity that reflects the heart of Christ," Larson said. "Pray also for opportunities to use this experience to reach others for Christ," he added, noting that the tragedy also presents a "wonderful evangelistic opportunity."

Covenant World Relief has established an Oklahoma City Tornado Relief fund to assist the churches in responding to the needs of the people living in affected areas. Donations may be sent to Covenant World Relief Tornado Relief, 5101 N. Francisco Ave., Chicago, IL, 60625. Further updates will appear as information becomes available.

Printable version of this page.