Samaritan’s Purse is responding in Kentucky and Missouri after deadly tornadoes tore through the areas starting late on Friday, May 16. More than 25 people are dead in the wake of the storm system, which spawned dozens of twisters and left destruction across parts of the eastern United States. Thousands of homes are damaged or destroyed. The twisters in both Missouri and Kentucky have been rated as EF3 storms, with wind speeds of at least 136 mph.
Two U.S. Disaster Relief units—tractor trailers filled with relief supplies and equipment—have been deployed to Laurel County, Kentucky, and St. Louis County, Missouri. Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains are also deploying to these areas to provide emotional support and to share the Gospel with many hurting people
Samaritan’s Purse assessment teams have been on the ground working with local emergency management to assess damage and determine our initial response. We are also working with local church leaders as we prepare to help the communities in greatest need.
Many volunteers are urgently needed to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus Christ for hurting communities. Teams working in His Name will be tarping damaged roofs, cutting up fallen trees, and removing debris from homes and property. Samaritan’s Purse volunteers will also have opportunities to encourage homeowners and share the hope found only in the Good News of the Lord Jesus Christ. Specific details about volunteering in Kentucky and Missouri are available at spvolunteer.org.
Please pray for those who are suffering right now, especially those who lost loved ones. Pray also for our teams as they begin work. We are continuing to monitor severe weather threats over the next few days. Please be in prayer for all those affected by these storms and for our teams as they share God’s love and comfort with these communities.
