Week of Compassion is there to offer assistance
The gaping hole in the roof of the Lewis Christian Church marked the path of the EF-1 tornado that crossed the small rural community in southcentral Kansas late Friday, May 17.
The Lewis Volunteer Firefighters quickly assessed the damage and covered the area where the missing roof and beams exposed the interior of the church sanctuary to the elements.
Meanwhile, inside the sanctuary, additional firefighters and community volunteers moved the chancel furniture, organ, and piano.
Church organist Sheryl Fankhauser praised volunteers for their service, “I can’t say enough about how our firefighters worked to save our church. At one point they only had twenty minutes before the next round of rain and lightning were to arrive.”
The next morning, Pastor Rhonda Glenn contacted Regional Minister Ken Marston with an initial damage survey and within hours, Week of Compassion called with offers of support. The church was given a Solidarity Grant and additional aid was provided to help individual members of the congregation with their damage recovery.
James Michel, Disciples Church Extension, also visited with church leaders to assess the damage and to provide support as the church works with their insurance company and an area contractor. Additional support was offered from Disciples Volunteering and The Pension Fund.
Churches, pastors, and fellowship groups across the Region have contacted the Lewis Christian Church to find out how they can help with needs not covered by insurance.
“At times the feeling of support has become overwhelming; it brings tears to my eyes,” Glenn said. “Our brothers and sisters in Christ have blessed us in our time of need.”