As I write this, Samaritan’s Purse disaster relief teams are still hard at work in three states following a deadly midwinter storm that caused massive damage across the South. Ice, sleet, and snow knocked out power to more than a million people, with some waiting weeks for their heat and electricity to be restored. Large trees and limbs fell across thousands of houses, yards, and roads.
We responded by deploying four Disaster Response Units to help frozen communities in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Tennessee. Our volunteers braved brutal temperatures to cut up downed trees, tarp roofs, and help with cleanup. Though the weather has improved, there is still much to be done. We are offering a helping hand, extending the warm comfort of God’s love, and sharing the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to repent, believe, and be saved.
Talitha Finnie, a resident of hard-hit Oxford, Mississippi, hunkered down at home alongside her husband and their six children while the storm rolled through during the night. As they tried to sleep, it battered their house and the surrounding trees.
They awoke to a yard full of broken limbs and debris. It was a mess too big for them to handle, so Talitha was grateful for our team: “I cannot believe anyone would be out here in this weather, but you guys are awesome. You cleared everything, cut everything down, and put it on the side of the road for us.”
As our team finished their work, they gathered on Talitha’s front porch to give her a Bible they had each signed. One of our volunteers felt the Holy Spirit tugging on her heart to boldly share the Gospel right then and there. Praise God Talitha put her faith in the Lord, and she couldn’t contain her newfound joy. She kept smiling and laughing as she hugged her new brothers and sisters in Christ.
“You asked me if I wanted to accept the Lord into my life. And I did. Now I can just lay my burdens down and present them before the Lord,” she said.
We give God all the glory for what only He can do!
Samaritan’s Purse continues to work across the region as people recover from this devastating storm. We have had thousands of requests from hurting homeowners and continue to need volunteers who will serve as the hands and feet of Jesus. Will you prayerfully consider helping in His Name? Go to spvolunteer.org to find out more.
