Rallying Together!

Last night many of us huddled with our families in the "safest" place we could find in our home while listening to the radio of the news of the storm's approach to Jackson.

Susan, Neeley, and I sat at the bottom of the stairs next to the garage and prayed for Jackson and the surrounding areas. Neeley then prayed her own prayer which was incomprehensible to us except for the "Amen" at the end. In many ways, our prayers were answered as what could have been disastrous in terms of loss of life caused mostly property damage. Property can be repaired. Our prayers go with the families of the two in Madison County and the eighteen in West Tennessee and Kentucky who lost their lives last night.

Susan and I spent much of last night on the phone checking in with members of our church. John and Trish Lambert were under a blanket in their bathroom when the tornado landed close to their home at the Walgreen's on North Highland and sent debris flying through the surrounding neighborhood. The large window at the front of their home looking out of their dining room was destroyed. John - a Jackson police officer - then went into work to help.

Calvin Leeds - a resident of Jackson Oaks - is safely at home with his sister. When the sirens went off, the residents of the Oaks were gathered together in the dining hall and lobby. The tornado tore off the roof of the assisted living wing (where Calvin lives). Calvin reported that there were no injuries and the group was taken to Liberty High School where they remained until 2am.

Perhaps the most encouraging call last night was to Bob Hilliard, a resident of Spring Creek, who watched the tornado approach and hit the ground. As it landed, he "rebuked it" and it lifted back off the ground again! Bob then set out to help many of his neighbors who had damage done to their homes making sure that they were okay.

The coming days we will hear more stories of loss as well as stories of courage. Promise Church has an opportunity as our city suffers to minister with grace and love. There will be calls for food, clothing, and money to help people who lost everything get back on their feet again. We will work closely with JAMA (Jackson Area Minister's Association) to determine what we can do together. As we learn of the needs, we will let you know how we can best respond as a church.

We love you all and are praying for each of you by name.

Jay and Susan Hutchens