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.
Praying too! I grew up in southeast Missouri so the people in Missouri have really been on my heart.
Praying for Joplin- all the families involved and everyone involved in helping people out there! And Amanda- praying for your family(-ies) and sister in law and soon to be niece! God bless!
Praying too. If anyone local to the area knows of specific needs, prayer or otherwise, I am sure that the rest of us would love to know of those.
Thank you, Darling, so much for conveying such love and depth of concern and prayer for Missouri. After a canceled flight Saturday and a travel day on Sunday, I fell in the bed that night instead of turning on the news so I completely missed it. Yesterday evening was the first I saw the devastation and I just dropped to my knees. Missouri, we care so much. You are on our hearts and in our prayers.
How I can sit here and torment myself over my puney little problems while people’s lives are COMPLETELY destroyed is so incredibly selfish of me! Thank you for this post. I am taking time now to pray for these families– That their lives can somehow gain a sense of normalcy after such a horrible natural disaster. Lord, please, send down your peace that surpasses all understanding. Please help remind them of Your steady presence. You never leave us. Amen.
Kyrie Eleison!!!
My heart is saddened over these latest storms. I am originally from Wisconsin which is seeing some big storms as well. I pray for all of the people involved in this latest tragedy. May God provide for those affected in a mighty way. May His comfort and love pour over everyone there as mightily as the wind blew over them. Thank you for this blog that connects Sisters in Christ.
I have not personally been there, but my daughter responded that evening, as she is in the medical field. Total devastation. And yet, many Christians spreading hope to the hopeless. Our pastor and some men from our church are there now. We live about 80 miles from there and friends/co-workers of mine found debris in their yard from the hospital that was destroyed. I pray that people will become very aware of God’s faithfulness and steadfastness (if that’s a word) during this time and that this horrible event will bring souls into the Kingdom, as we know that God can and will work it for good to those who love Him.
Thank you, Amanda for your heartfelt prayer for these victims.
As I sit here in Vicksburg watching the floodwaters slowly recede I am thanking Him for the preparations folks were able to make knowing it was coming and that we haven’t had the enormous loss of life. I pray for the victims of all these disasters and that many will come to the realization that our Jesus is enough no matter what. May Almighty God be glorified!! Lord send Your mercy!
Thanks, Amanda, for joining in all the prayers going up for Joplin. I’ve lived within 75 miles of Joplin my entire life, and we definitley have ties to it. So very sad for everyone…
Pray for all in Joplin and all of us in the KS/OK region today who are under the threat of incredibly severe weather today. Understandably, everyone is extra nervous now.
Praying now, Cheryl!
I live an hour east of Joplin, and the heaviness of my heart cannot be described. It’s been unreal to see how many friends have been desperately searching for missing loved ones or are without a home or place of business. Here are some places you can donate online if you feel led to do so.
https://donate.convoyofhope.org/sslpage.aspx
http://www.redcross-ozarks.org/donate/
http://www.ozarksfoodharvest.org/money.html
You can also make a $10 donation through Convoy of Hope by texting “convoy” to 50555.
As surreal and horrifying as this experience has been for the community, I have to share one amazing thing that hasn’t made the headlines. Following the storm, everyone in our city saw the most vibrant double rainbow I’ve ever seen. God keeps His promises, and He always gives us a sign of hope if we’ll look for it.
I received this in an email from the VP of one of our local banks:
Heather and I opened this morning at the bank, with a little 3rd grade girl from Forsyth School, who emptied her piggy bank savings of $ 117.80 to give at school today through the Red Cross. Her mother our customer who works as an assembly worker matched her daughter’s savings.
Heather and I dug in our pockets and gave her enough to make up the difference so she would have a total $ 250.00 donation today at the School which is collecting as a Red Cross Initiative.
This child, whose name is FAITH, gave us permission to share her mission.
It gave me cold chills, to think a little child would give every penny she had to help in this disaster, what a testament to generosity.
Often times those who may have the least give the most. Faith has done so.
Praise be to God for this child.
Becky
I forgot to mention this is from Forsyth, MO.
Thank you, Amanda.
We are praying fervently, too. Thank you for putting words to what is in all our hearts.
Come, Lord Jesus, save your people.
I am from the area, live just outside Joplin. We were not affected by the storm, but so many friends and family were. I work at a local hospital and was called in that night to work. Was up for 36 hours with no sleep. Made for a very exhausting day. I know that God has a plan in all this, it’s just hard to see what it is right now. He is faithful! Specific prayers would be for those that are still trapped and are awaiting rescue. For the rescuers, my brother and brother in law and other family members are rescuers right now and are having to face difficult situations. They need strength as they are digging out adults and children from the rubble. We also need blood. Yesterday we were in a code red status for blood, meaning they had less than a day’s supply of blood left. We went and donated last night, the Red Cross at our location was only expecting 10 people to show up. After we sat there for 4 hours waiting to donate, there were still over 30 people waiting! They figured they received well over 150 units of blood in that small church in that small Missouri town. Again, God is so faithful, and I know He has not forgotten us! Thanks for all your prayers and support!
Bless you dear sister! You are on the front lines, able to help those poor families as we are all aching to do! May God grant you and your husband and family supernatural energy and wisdom to help your community through this difficult time.
I am from SW Missouri but moved away two years ago. I have many family members affected but thankfully alive. A dear friend was in Joplin yesterday, helping her parents clean up their home that was hit. They found a page of sheet music in the yard. The song was “Jesus Calms the Storm”.
God bless you as you are his hands and feet at this time!
Blessings,
Tracy
Fort Mill, SC
Such a tragedy! We are definitely in the midst of a deadly tornado system this spring.
I can’t imagine the suffering.
Thank you so much, Amanda, for this post! Our state of MO is having a tough time between the tragedy in Joplin & the flood waters in the Branson & other areas of the state.
As for Joplin relief, the best organization I know is Convoy of Hope. This is an amazing faith-based organization that’s based here in Springfield. They’ve provided relief for every disaster the past several years worldwide. They’ve seen all of these tragedies around the world, but they say this is about the worst they’ve ever seen…especially tough when it’s so close to home.
Convoy of Hope has agreements with a lot of suppliers & they’re able to make the most out of the money donated to them. For ever $1 donated, they’re able to turn that into about $7 worth of goods/supplies.
Donations can be made online at https://donate.convoyofhope.org or by texting “CONVOY” to 50555 to donate $10 ($ will be on your cell bill…standard messaging rates apply)
Also, you can follow them on twitter @ConvoyofHope to be updated on what they’re doing for Joplin.
Again, thank you Amanda for your post & prayers! We here in Springfield love you! 🙂
Praying with you!!!!
I also just want to say thank you so very much for this blog~it is so encouraging to me. I have been so encouraged by you and your mom and your faith in our Father~it is balm to my soul. Sincerely, Karla
I grew up in the Joplin area…..we moved away several years ago to Tuscaloosa AL. The church we attended in Tuscaloosa is gone, and the church we attended in Joplin has been destroyed as well.
Now we’re in Oklahoma, and I confess I’m a bit nervous today as the weather predictions keep getting more severe.
My heart is torn between concern for my many family members who are injured, homeless and also working really hard in Joplin (I have a nephew who is a Joplin area police officer and a niece who is a nurse there) and anxiety about our own area today.
“When I am afraid I will trust in You, Lord.”
We are 45 miles from Joplin and my family has been directly impacted. I have family members and friends working clean up and triage and one who lost his vehicle. Several live, go to college and work in Joplin. So far as I know all of our family is physically safe. We know several people who have lost everything. Our community is gathering supplies and donating. Please pray for the safety of those working. We all appreciate the love and the prayers as our friends and families pick up the pieces and move forward. Our hearts are heavy as we see the devastation. So thankful for sunshine this morning… and praying for no more tornadoes tonight.
Debra from Arkansas. Thank you Amanda for getting out the word to our siestas that we are praying , praying and mote praying.
Amanda,
I have long time friends that live in Joplin. She was in Arkansas for a graduation, and her husband and 2 children were in a town just north of there traveling home when they heard of the tornado on the radio. He turned around and went back to his parents until after things were “over”. There is NOTHING left of their house but one wall. Everything is gone. He keeps saying “If we had been there, we would not be alive.” They are in utter shock.
Girls, I know that yall will help pray for this family and all of the other families that have been devestated through this natural disaster.
Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.
Amanda- Your family is in my prayers… I just become a Great Nana.(my nieces and nephews call me nana) I am only 40, so I’m not OLD, but I will be praying for your family. You guys are dear to my heart.
All of you Siesta’s are!!!!
Joplin is “just around the corner” from me and I too am devestaed. They certaily need so much and so many prayers. It is truly heart ripping!
Amands, I am confused, Joplin is North of Springfield how do you go to Springfield? Do you go through Kansas and over or straight up through Arkansas?
Joplin is southwest of Springfield.
We go through it on our way to Oklahoma and south from there.
Joplin holds a special place in my heart. My husband and I met at Ozark Christian College in Joplin, and all of our dating memories and early ministry days together are there. Thank you for your thoughtful words.
Having been so close to the utter devastation here in Alabama, my heart froze when I heard the news from MO Sunday. The rebuilding, the restoration, all takes times, but I pray they experience the same tremendously outpouring of hearts and help that so many have received here in the South. The horribly tragic event opened up the doors of Heaven to offer opportunities for mercy and grace; it has been awesome to see. My prayers are with Joplin. God bless them.
Dear Amanda, Just as you and your sweet mother prayed for us here in Alabama, I am praying for you as well. I woke up at 3am with MO on my heart and mind and began praying…”on earth as it is in Heaven”. I don’t believe there are tornados in heaven, and if they are they are a delight, not a devistation.
Keep us posted, ~Di
Praying with you for all…
Thank You Amanda for this posting, because of this community of siesta’s as soon as I see any disasters in the States or Provinces I immediatley think of the siesta’s that may be affected. I pull out my Road Atlas of the U.S.A. and Canada and look to see exactly where the disaster hit. I am praying and weeping for all concerned. Feels like so little, but offered with deep compassion.
Thank you Amanda. I have been wanting to pray for those in Missouri, but have been at a loss for words. the sharing of your heart has given me words to lift up before the throne of heaven.
Praying for Missouri and all the precious souls involved. Asking Jesus to send comfort, healing and restoration to each family, each church, each one affected by this horrific devastation. Even so, come Lord Jesus…
Your prayers over the people effected by this terrible storm were beautiful. I can feel your heart for these people. Know that I will be praying along side you…
I am doing the Fruit of the Spirit bible study by Beth. The first day on Self Control she asked us to write on an index card this verse from Isaiah 58:12
Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; You will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of streets with Dwellings.
This seems to be the perfect Word from God for all the people affected by devastation lately. May God be praised and glorified as His people are strengthened and given hope to rebuild.
Praying from Canada. Much love to all those in the affected area.
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be moved, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken, nor My covenant of peace be removed, says the LORD, who has compassion on you.” Isa 54:10
Thankfully we can rely on HIS WORD!
The Southern Baptist Convention has a Disaster Relief ministry. They are at every disaster ministering in Jesus’ name. If you go to here http://www.namb.net/
you can find out what they are doing now in Joplin. You can also donate online on the right side of the page.
We were just hit by the last wave of devastating tornadoes here in Georgia so I can certainly feel the emotional impact for Joplin. I don’t understand BUT what I KNOW is that God is in the business of restoration. We usually only seek Him with earnest desperation when we are forced to do so. In His great mercy He knows that dire circumstances drive His children back to His arms. I pray for the body of Christ in that area to step up and love these folks to Jesus. The harvest is ripe!!
Praying for Joplin! Amazed as I watch and listen to the reports, everyone is praying!
Amen! Thank for such a beautiful expression of what we are feeling. We too have relatives in the area and family with extended family – it’s just heart breaking. May God show himself full of mercy, peace and healing in the days, months to come.
amen sister!
I fell in love with Missouri last summer when we moved our son and daughter-in-law to Iowa. I was not expecting Missouri to be so beautiful! I think it was best described by saying it looked just like my ideal beautiful countryside when I tried to draw it as a child… green and hilly and lots of streams. The people only made it better, they were all so kind.
Broken hearted and praying,
Debbie in Florida
We live in Springfield, MO…hearing good things coming out of this such as the outpouring of love and support and all of the many volunteers that are helping. Continued prayer and support will be needed for many weeks and months to come.
So, so sad. I watched a video clip someone had sent in – I saw it on Huffington Post – there really wasn’t much to see, just five minutes of people surviving the storm as it moved straight over them. It was simply their voices – screaming, crying, terrified — and in the midst of it, one steady voice continuing to call out on the name of the Lord:
“Jesus. Heavenly Father. Jesus. Heavenly Father. Jesus.”
Be near Joplin, Lord Jesus. Be near us.
I saw/listened to that too. Cried my eyes out in horror. Oh, sweet Jesus, have mercy.
If you could remember the Simon family. They have lost two in the tornado a daughter (18 years old) and an Aunt. They are heart broken!!!
praying….
I can hardly comprehend what the people in Joplin are dealing with. My heart goes out to all the families in that community. My prayer is that through God’s presence they will find the strength and peace to press on. He is sovereign and we have to trust that this is all for His glory. We may never know what great things may come from this horrific event. May God’s peace reign in their hearts!
Ladies, thank you so much for all of your prayers for Joplin. Several have mentioned Convoy of Hope. That is a great organization already on the ground. Also, for those of you who are familiar with the Southern Baptist disaster relief, they are already on the ground too. You can donate directly to their efforts at:
http://www.mobaptist.org/modr
Please keep praying. There are still many people who have yet to be found. Pray also for Christian counselors and ministers who can help people process their trauma. My brother and sister-in-law were huddled in a crawl space of a house as the tornado took out the house next door. My sister-in-law’s little sister was trapped in the Walmart that is no longer existent, and my cousin was at Academy sports, which was totally blown away also. They were all able to walk away with simple broken bones, scrapes, and bruises, but the trauma of the events are constantly with them. Please specifically pray that God would calm people’s minds from the trauma. Also, please continue to pray for the storms that are supposed to hit here again tonight. The last thing we need is another tornado to hit.
Thank you, Siestas, so much!
I live in Andover, Kansas, site of two huge tornados getting together to form one big one that went through Andover in April of 1991. My kids lost their home, but we were so greatful that they were able to get out of their home to safety. I pray for those in Joplin, and for those in Reading, Kansas who also lost everything. May those who are suffering, feel God’s closeness. We are also praying for a family in Joplin who lost a young man and his two young children, 2 & 5. May the God of Peace and Love rain down on those affected.
Our hearts are united with you in your prayer, Amanda.
Something about this city has really touched my heart and brought me to tears. I am praying for the people there. I saw the video of the people trapped in the store as the storm went over, in the dark, praying and calling out to Jesus. It gave me chills. I will continue to pray for the many lives impacted there.
Praying for Joplin. May they find rest in our Lord and Savior.
My oldest daughter (and, in a few years when they’re old enough, youngest 2 daughters) goes to Kanakuk Kamp in Lampe, Missouri every summer. I have only been to MO a few times in my life, but have made it a summer ritual recently as we take her/pick her up from Kamp. I had no idea how BEAUTIFUL Missouri is. The mountains and lakes in the south are gorgeous. When I looked on the map and realized how close Joplin is to a little piece of our hearts in South MO, it broke my heart. And having just lived through the most devastating tornado destruction my state has ever seen, Joplin is especially on my heart. All of us in Alabama are praying hard for that sweet little spot in Missouri.
Amanda,
Here is Michigan we have a travelling Medical/Dental clinic that I am a part of. This morning we all grabbed hands in agreement and prayed for that very city. May El-Roi, the God who sees, be with them.
Stacie
I watched the morning news yesterday and just sat there with tears streaming down my face. A reporter broke down as he stood there in Joplin with all of the destruction all around him. It was very moving.
You all are in my prayers as you heal.
Pray for Oklahoma today as we are being warned of strong and dangerous tornadoes, damaging hail etc. in our weather forecast today. God is in control!
Love to you all,
Valerie