On Saturday, June 4th, the Project Reach Team went to Joplin to assist in the tornado recovery. There are no words to describe the devastation we saw that day. The tornado ripped a path 14 miles long, a mile-and-a-half wide. Everything was leveled. But, amongst all the ruble each and every home owner spoke about hope. It was an amazing day and one I will never forget.

The most amazing moment happened early in the day. We were helping a family dig through the ruble. There in the middle, of what used to be a bedroom, was  a dresser. Sitting on top of the dresser was a Bible. I asked the home owner if she had put it there, she had not. Everything in the home was gone and all that remained was this Bible. It was opened to “The Words and Wisdom of God.” On one page was the word “Death” and on the other page the word “Perseverance.” I gave the Bible back to the home owner and encouraged her to read the verses under “Perseverance.” God wanted to speak to her. She began to cry and told me that God had saved her and this brought her great hope. It not only brought her great hope. It brought hope to every member of our team.

When we first arrived we met Doug Harris. Check out his amazing story.

If you have not had an opportunity to go and help I would strongly encourage you to go. We partnered with Samaritan’s Purse. They are an incredible organization doing a great work.