From Bethlehem Lutheran:

It’s been a week since the tornado devastated our community. A week filled with shock, loss, and devastation, but also one where we have seen the hand of God at work in so many ways. The immediate aftermath has been overwhelming, but in the midst of this, we’ve also seen a community rise up, coming together in the face of disaster. We’ve been humbled and moved by the outpouring of love and support. The road ahead is still long, but we are deeply grateful for every step we've taken together so far.

 

It’s been a week of action. Yesterday, we took in more donations, had members of the Lutheran Emergency Relief Team (LERT) back on campus, and fed hundreds of people in need. We also celebrated the achievements of our children with a kindergarten graduation and 5th-grade promotion. These acts serve as a powerful reminder of how God is at work in our community. It’s been a week of coming together, of serving, giving, and standing firm. Yet, as we reflect on all that has been done, we must remember: the journey is just beginning.

 

Check the numbers from our previous updates and see how God is showing up through the generosity of His people. Tens of thousands of dollars in donations, hundreds of meals served, boxes of essentials distributed, and so much more. Your prayers, your time, your hands, and your hearts are truly making a difference in ways that extend far beyond what we can see right now.

 

We are also incredibly thankful for all the internal Bethlehem volunteers who have been working tirelessly. You have been the backbone of everything we've done these past days. Your willingness to step up, whether you’ve been in the kitchen, at the donation center, or serving in countless other ways, has been a testament to your love for this community. We’ve been operating around the clock, 24 hours a day, for the last four days, and while we have accomplished so much, we acknowledge that the building has taken a toll in the process. Yet, we continue to press on, because we know the work we’re doing is vital.

 

It’ll be weeks into months until we can begin to see the depth of rebuilding. Until we fully understand the scope of recovery, and until the community feels the lasting impact of these efforts. But the work is far from over. As the immediate urgency begins to fade, we must remember that our calling to serve remains unchanged. We are in this for the long haul, and we need your support every step of the way.

 

We still need so much. As we move forward, we ask for your continued support in three key ways:

 

  • Financially: Consider setting up a recurring gift. “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7 - Recurring gifts allow us to be good stewards of the resources needed to continue meeting the needs of our community. Your ongoing support will ensure that we can respond effectively in both the short and long term.

 

 

  • Volunteering: If you have been serving or are willing to step in, we encourage you to commit to serving regularly. “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9 - Recurring volunteer efforts—whether weekly or monthly—are a powerful way to maintain a strong, sustainable response to the ongoing needs in our community. Your hands and hearts make a lasting difference.

 

  • Praying: Commit to praying regularly for our community, recovery, and the ongoing work of God’s kingdom. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” – Philippians 4:6 - Prayer is a continual work of God in our midst, and your ongoing prayers will sustain us as we move forward. As we pray, God’s strength, wisdom, and guidance will lead us through every step of the journey.

 

We are especially thankful for all of those who are part of our church family, whether you've been here for years or have recently joined us in the aftermath of this disaster. Your commitment to serving others, your willingness to give of yourselves, and your love for our community make all the difference. Together, we are building something that will last long after the storm.

 

As Galatians 6:9 reminds us, “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

Thank you for standing with us. The journey is far from over, but with you by our side, we can press on with hope and determination.

Lead Pastor, Bethlehem Lutheran Church