TUSCALOOSA, AL — A violent storm system swept through the Southeast of America last week, spawning devastating tornadoes that ripped through neighborhoods, causing massive damage in five states.

Samaritan’s Purse President Franklin Graham asked for prayer in the wake of the disaster as teams deployed to the area to assess needs and establish a response.

“Please join me in praying for these [tornado] storm victims who have lost so much and for our teams as we rush help to suffering communities,” Franklin said. “As we work in Jesus’ Name we will be sharing the hope of the Gospel and letting them know that God has not forgotten them.”

Volunteers are now hard at work helping hurting homeowners make emergency repairs and remove debris as they begin to pick up the pieces of their lives

Samaritan’s Purse Disaster Relief Units – tractor trailers filled with relief supplies and equipment – and other equipment are in place in Tuscaloosa and in Dallas County. Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains have also responded to provide encouragement and spiritual support to storm victims.

Lynn Taylor, Homeowner:

When I looked out the window, and the tornado was just whooshing around. I could hear that train that they always say you hear– scary. I wouldn’t admit it to my people, but I was scared.

Todd Taylor, Samaritan’s Purse:

So we’re in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where Tuesday afternoon during the tornado outbreak, a strong tornado came right through this community.

We’ve got volunteers out today helping these homeowners recover from this devastating storm. They’re cutting trees, helping salvage belongings. Behind me, they’re finishing tarping a roof.

Lynn Taylor:

Samaritan’s Purse come here and they saved the day. It’s a blessing.

Todd Taylor:

So we do ask you to pray for our volunteers that are out working today. Pray for the people of Tuscaloosa and Selma and the surrounding areas that were hit hard by just devastating storms.

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: Kaitlyn Lahm, news@samaritan.org

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