Siestas, this is Amanda checking in with a broken heart. You may know that I married into a wonderful, godly family from Southwest Missouri. I can’t count how many times I’ve sat shotgun next to Curtis as we’ve made our journey down the highway from Springfield to Houston. It has always been our tradition to stop in Joplin for something to eat on the way home. My heart aches every time I see another headline about the tornado that ripped through the city on Sunday – the latest calling this the deadliest single U.S. tornado since they began keeping records 60 years ago.
I can’t fathom the death, destruction and fear that has gripped that city. I pray God is showering down strength and the hope of the Gospel onto those people. There are some incredibly faithful, hard-working, Jesus-loving folks in the state of Missouri and I pray that God is equipping them to minister to these survivors with incredible compassion and effectiveness. I pray that the ones who have lost everything will find Jesus to be so very near. I pray they will see restoration. For the ones who have lost friends and family members, I pray for comfort and peace. If anyone reading this has been directly affected, I want to tell you that I’m so very sorry for what you are going through.
I am praying for God to be merciful as another round of storms is due to hit the region. Curt’s sister, Lindsay, is due to have our first little niece this week. Of course I’ve been obsessing over her like any good sister-in-law, and even more so now. We are going up there next week to meet the baby. All that to say, Missouri, you are on my heart every minute. And we are all praying for you.
You spoke my heart with your post Amanda. May the love, mercy and power of our awesome God be poured out on this city and it’s people. May all God’s children come together and work for His good in this awful situation. God is near to all who call on Him. Let God’s Church come to the aid of these people and show His love.
Praying here in West Ky. It is overwhelming all that we seeing happening here all around. We here in western Ky are still reeling from the flooding. The cleanup has begun and there are still some low low lying areas with high water as yet. And the flooding further down south and I have a cousin living in Tuscaloosa and more family in Mississippi. The tornados and the damage left behind. I praise the Lord that He is in control and is Sovereign. Prayers for all those whose lives are affected by these disasters.
Just want to say to everyone that has been hit by the tornado that I am so sorry and that I am certainly praying. I know God will get you through this! Much love from Alabama!
Col 3:12 NIV Julie, Boone NC
Since you have been raised with Christ,
set your hearts on things above
where Christ is seated at the right hand of God
set you minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Praying with everyone with else. May God’s love be displayed to all there through those helping.
Praying in agreement with you all!
yes, I join with u all in asking our LORD’s mercy and compassion on the dear people or Joplin.
“Father God, I beg your love and help in ways only you know is best for your own and their testimony during these devestating times in Joplin town.” Because of your dear son, our King Jesus, Amen
Praying……thanks for sharing your heart Amanda. And for those of you who are closer in proximity to the situation, thanks for giving us a “word picture” of this tragedy. It helps to “put it on the map” of our minds when we are so far away. Also appreciate the ideas for giving……
Thoughts and prayers from MN!
My prayers are with all those affected by the recent storms. There are no words that I can speak to offer condolences. But I have a mighty God that is bigger than any storm! I am praying for you all.
Jan
I really don’t know what to say, or even think, when I look at the pictures of all of the devastation from these storms. As I drove to work this morning, I was listening to Hillsong’s “Hosanna,” and somehow that seems like the only appropriate response. Hosanna, hosanna – Lord, save us!
Siestas in Missouri (and Alabama, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Japan, and everywhere else affected by the terrible storms of late), I am so sorry for what you have endured. I love you, and I am praying for you!
The devestation in Joplin is catastophic. I am keeping the residents in my prayers. Please also keep the residents of NE Minneapolis in your prayers. Although the devestation was not as bad, many, many families are suffering and have been left homeless. This is a neighborhood of low-income residents and many were renting and have no insurance or safety net. I am praying for God’s mercy for all those affected by the tornadoes the past few weeks.
Mary Ann, Woodbury, MN
We used to stop for lunch in Joplin on the bus from Kansas City to Muskogee to see family (after the KC-Muskogee train stopped running). That was 40 years ago, but even so, I find my heart aching and my prayers attentive as well. Oh how we need our Jesus!
Yes, Amanda. Thank you! Please pray this morning (Wed) for a mother who lost one child last night, another injured, and her three year old, Ryan, is still missing. She is also injured. (Piedmont, Oklahoma) Pray the workers will find Ryan quickly! Holy Spirit, bring her comfort and minister to her heart. Heal her children.
Oh, Lord you know our hearts and you hear our prayers.
This like so many other stories made me just fall to my knees in prayer. I can feel GOD wrapping his arms around our nation.
This family has been on my heart all day. I cannot even imagine……
Our family has also stopped in Joplin for a meal or just some leg-stretching on our trips to Oklahoma to visit our daughter and her family. One of my sweetest memories is sitting down to eat on our way for the birth of our grandson and sharing that happiness with our waitress. She couldn’t have been more excited had she been an expectant Grandma herself. What precious people. Praying for the Lord’s perfect peace and provision.
“Lord, we have heard of your fame; we stand in awe of your deeds, O Lord. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known. In wrath… remember mercy.” Habakkuk 3:2 NIV
I prayed for Joplin & asked God to comfort the people of the city & show them He is there with them. He blessed them with a double rainbow. Right at this minute He is placing all the right people in Joplin to help during this very difficult time.
As former Joplin residents, seeing the destruction has been overwhelming at times. Especially trying to figure out what street is which? I used to shop at the Wal-Mart, ate at the Burger King, drove down Rangeline numerous times and so on. And I really can’t look at the pictures anymore, doesn’t look like my town. We lived in Joplin for about 4 years. Survived Ice storms, straight line winds and tornado warnings. It is incredible how much destruction WIND can cause. We still have family and friends that live there. They are ok. Even have a cousin that works at St. John and she was in the hospital when the explosion occured. She was so lucky!!! I live 10 hrs away but can’t go and help and its driving me crazy! Anyways, just continue to pray for them.
Praying from Canada……
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:17-18
I just came to your blog to seek help in spreading the word about an idea God has given me to help those affected by the tornadoes. You can read about it on my post – http://www.cookingupfaith.com – Write a Letter to Help Tornado Victims. I’m asking everyone to write a letter and share how God is still good, has not left them, personal stories of how God has helped during a difficult time, and scriptures of hope. I am asking everyone to e-mail me their letters to my address – [email protected], and I will mail them to shelters and churches in all the states affected to be distributed to families. Please consider sharing on the lpm blog. I am trying to get as many letters as possible. Thank you! http://www.cookingupfaith.com
Storms have been crazy this year. We had so many come through last night (Fort Worth). Sirens blaring. This morning, Karalee said, “Mom, I can’t believe we had to get in the closet ‘twice’ last night; and the sun is shining this morning.” It was just a reminder to me that no matter what life’s storms come our way, no matter the destruction, the sun will shine eventually. All glory and thanks to our amazing God!
Jody Boise, ID Isaiah 26:3
You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you.
Praying so hard for all the storm victims. Our small, AR town was hit hard 2 years ago and I know there is hope. There is a lot of work, tears, heartache and loss but there is hope. It will be ok again one day, by God’s grace.
As I watched the news about Joplin, all I could do was pray that the Lord would reach down His hand and stop these crazy storms just like Jesus calmed the seas when the diciples were fishing… There a lot of world issues we need to pray about including the weather… and pray with faith…
Just to let you know, today (Wednesday) more tornados hit my state of Missouri. Sedalia had one confirmed. I am told Climax Springs as well.
Amen Amanda, praying for Missouri in California.
i’m watching footage on the news. such devastation! praying now.
I just saw the news and I am praying too!!
Many thoughts and prayers from Michigan
My daughter Anna and her husband Josh lost their home, but they are safe and staying with friends. This will be a long process, there is no housing available close by. Please pray for wisdom and guidance as they determine how to go forward. We are counting on the Lord to create good from this.
There is an incredible video going around from Anthem Lights with video from Joplin. “Darkness doesn’t stand a chance..Where the LIGHT is.” Would post it here if I knew how. I’ll try this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bUKeGEQTXw
Thank you!!
Amanda,
My heart was just moved watching a young married woman maybe close to your age who has been married for six years. She was on NBC news. Her life was spared by her beloved hubby who threw himself over her and spared her life. What a story.
I just feel moved to write a prayer right now I am not sure why on your blog but maybe someone will read the prayer and give me some idea what I can do here in ND. I am for removed from Joplin but we are feeling the effects of an unstable weather pattern here as well. Our guys are macho farmers. I have two sons and my hubby who work tiredlessly to plant crops and tend a beef herd. They have not turned a wheel in the fields as yet this year. We have lost beef cattle to an unrelentless winter weather pattern. If we do not get a crop planted we will wonder too how to get through another winter as we will not have grain to sell or many cattle to sell either. That is such a small thing compared to the folks at Joplin. We see flood waters devastating homes here and many people are being evacuated from flooded areas and it will continue all summer. So I pray.
Lord, You have promised in Your Word in Hebrews 3:16 that we should come boldly to Your throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and also find the grace to help in the time of need. Lord, the time of need is here and it is great. We pray for the young lady who lost her beloved hubby as he protected her from the ravages of that horrible tornado. Lord, if she does not know you personally please send someone to her. Right now she may not accept the fact that Your love is greater than life but some day she will. Please watch over her. Please watch over all those who mourn the loss of life and property. I do not know how it would feel to have my life ripped apart by a devasting storm but I have felt my life ripped apart by disease and unusual circumstances. We know You are in every circumstance we go through in life. Nothing happens by luck. It is all part of Your great plan for us. Please show us, reveal to us how we can help those others. Yes things seem uncertain for us presently but they are so much more uncertain for those who are homeless without jobs or income. Open our hearts and minds if there is a call to help, please make us aware of it so we can help in any way we can. Right now we have little to give financially as things are so uncertian here but if there is any way, please reveal it to us. We may not have much financially but we can spare some thing. If any appeal comes out help us to hear it and respond any way we can. Thank you for hearing our prayers. Thank-you for helping those in big and small ways. Thank-you for providing a way to keep on going no matter how difficult because You have given us the faith to believe You will answer. Bless all who give and those who need in the name of Your Precious Son, Amen
I live in Seneca and work in Joplin. Thank you so much for all your thoughts and prayers!!!! I have been glued to every news/ radio report since Sunday. Our office building is fine, and my heart breaks for all affected. For the first time today, a friend drove me in part of the destructive area. Although I have watched so much footage on tv, nothing prepares you for the visual. Unbelievable!!!!! I know God is love and we will see “Good” from this. Already, the overwhelming help that is here is absolutly humbling and amazing!! Thank you again!!
I live in a community outside Joplin, but my husband and I both work in Joplin. His work was destroyed. My step-sons lost their house. Thankfully they were with us. Their mom made it to an underground tornado shelter just in time. The pictures do not do it justice. The support here has been amazing, from volunteers supplying food, chainsaws, backhoes, clothing, medical supplies, and prayers. I’m proud to be here right now.
I keep saying ” I will praise you in this storm”…. some moments are harder than others to get through.Thank you for your prayers!!
Thank you all for praying for the people of Joplin and others affected. The destruction and devastation is unreal but the outpouring from other Missourians and those in neighboring states is truly amazing!!!!! I have never been more proud to call Missouri home!! Please continue to pray…healing and rebuilding will be a long process.
Gov. Nixon has declared Sunday, May 29 as a day of prayer and remembrance for Joplin. The city of Joplin has asked everyone to join with them at 5:41 CST for a minute of silence. May God minister and bring peace that passes understanding.
Cindy — Columbia, MO
I live in the Bahamas and to see the tears of Americans picking up debris and chaos that used to be their homes is unfathomable to me. Many times on the news video in the distance amid broken homes there is a single flowing America flag. I pray with fellow Siestas for Jesus to bring peace and to restore them with lifted hearts to God.
Amanda,
It seems unreal, how much is going on now in our country in terms of natural and man-made disasters…I was praying for and thinking about the siestas that may have been affected, we are all scattered across the U.S…
Amanda,
As soon as I saw this post, I wanted to share this story… I mentioned it to my husband and he asked me to comment right away…
He is a student pastor, and on Sunday mornings he has the 1st through 6th graders. Joplin had been on his mind all weekend since he saw the news coverage. It was all he could think about. He was asking the kids this past Sunday about ideas for what our church could do to help those affected by the tornado. He was thinking something like collecting towels or clothing, and the kids had similar ideas, until one yelled out from the back “let’s build them a house!!” He was about to reply with, we can’t do something that big, but, as he told me later, was thinking- how do I dare tell this child that anything is too big for God? So we’ve set out to do that as a church, and everyone is getting excited. We obviously don’t know how to build a house, or exactly how everything will work out, but we know that’s what God wants our church to trust Him for.
Our first step is finding a family there who doesn’t have insurance, so I am leaving this comment to see where it might lead, or maybe to simply encourage someone with the faith of a child!
Love,
Michelle in NC
The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him. Nahum 1:7 NIV