Thoughts from your Regional Minister Blog
Written by Interim Co-Regional Minister, Larry Ross
The tornado that ripped through Andover but spared the camp was the second I have seen with my own eyes, and the third I have experienced.
As Ken and I stood outside the Leadership Lodge watching the funnel cloud skirt the camp to the north, I remembered the tornado several years ago that missed my house in Texas by only a few blocks, but levelled or damaged thousands of other homes. We were in our safe room for that one.
I remembered as a young teenager watching another tornado meander through mostly open fields near my childhood home. Tornadoes are power on display, reminding us of the transitory nature of life itself.
As I watched this one, I was grateful that the camp was spared, but sorrowful that others were losing their homes and businesses in and around Andover.
First responders were on the scene swiftly; a command center was established in the parking lot of the grocery store we all use when at camp. Folk checked on neighbors and friends, and helped where needed.
We checked on FCC Augusta, and Week of Compassion staff checked on US, as did our General Minister and President, Terri Hord Owens. Ken notified authorities that the camp could provide emergency housing to displaced folk until our own camp season began, though it doesn’t appear to be needed.
Reminded yet again that we are all connected, I am grateful for the churches and people of Kansas.