COPPER BLUFF, MISSOURI — After an EF3 tornado ripped through Poplar Bluff in Missouri, many homes within the community were destroyed.

However, the faith of those affected still stood strong. When the volunteers of Samaritan’s Purse arrived, they began to restore each house and clean out the debris left by the storm while comforting each person affected by the storm.

Michelle Worley-Hurt – Samaritan’s Purse:

I’ve been a volunteer with Samaritan’s Purse since 2013. but a storm just actually hit my home town of Copper Bluff, which is where we are, right now.

Curtis Hunter – Associate Pastor, New Covenant Fellowship:

We are standing in the sanctuary of our what’s left, of our sanctuary, of our building, from a EF three tornado that came through a week ago today.

Ronnie McComb – Homeowner:

It had hit right above our house. It was something fierce. It was something fierce.

Curtis:

The very night that it hit, we headed straight over to the trailer court, just over the hill. When the trailer returned over on the side, upside down and up on each other. Many of those are part of our congregation.

Ronnie:

There were trees on roofs crashing through houses, smashing vehicles. It was pretty wrenching.

Curtis:

In the past year, over and over was trying to get as many as it could because the middle section of our building is in the shape of a cross as a concrete storm shelter. And they rode out the storm right there. We were in prayer throughout the whole traumatic event.

Michelle:

I’m used to going to other communities, but when I drove into my hometown and saw my neighbors serving their neighbors, yeah, it was pretty emotional and very different. So I’m proud of my town.

Curtis:

I’ve never seen our community come together the way it has through this. We all know it. We all been taught it. I’ve taught it from the pulpit of the building is not the church, but it’s been a whole nother level through this.

It’s been real that I can look at all this in. It’s not the church just because the church is the people and we’re still doing church. It’s just looking different right now.

Michelle:

I’ve heard over and over again in Samaritan’s Purse the most important part is the heart, right? Are you wanting to love people in the name of Jesus?

And that’s so important. And that’s where you start.

Ronnie:

I’m seeing first hand what Samaritan’s Purse is doing for my family and for our home. And our property. It is well worth reaching out. Volunteer, to offer any help that you can. Anything. They’re a great bunch of people and they are a God send.

Curtis:

It was great to have Samaritan’s Purse come in. They have been great. They came over yesterday. A crew of about 10 to 12 came in they are so organized. And they’ve done this before. Man, what a blessing to have them come and help.

Michelle:

It’s wonderful to know that Samaritan’s Purse is here. I know they serve well. I know they’re committed. So I feel very confident in telling my neighbors and friends and family they’re not going to leave till it’s done.

Ronnie:

On behalf of my wife and I, our deepest faith and gratitude for everything Samaritan’s Purse is doing for us. We give our heartfelt thanks.

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Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Since 1970, Samaritan’s Purse has helped meet the needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine with the purpose of sharing God’s love through His Son, Jesus Christ. The organization serves the Church worldwide to promote the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Samaritan’s Purse International Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) program is committed to meeting the critical needs of victims of war, poverty, famine, disease, and natural disaster. We stand ready to respond at a moment’s notice whenever and wherever disaster strikes. The DART specializes in providing water, food, shelter, and medical care while sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

CONTACT: Gabrielle Bouquet, news@samaritan.org

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