The family we helped most of the weekend lost everything in the tornado. Their house was literally picked up and dropped in the middle of the road. Doug and Barbara lost 10 acres of crops, their home, their livestock, and so much more. Luckily they didn't lose one another. Twelve years ago, something had told Doug to purchase a storm shelter despite his wife's complaint that it was expensive and unneeded. That storm shelter saved not only Doug's life... But his two daughters and grand-babies as well. (His wife was at work at the local hospital) The tornado was so powerful that it literally ripped 2 of the 3 hinges off the steel door of the shelter. Doug painted us a vivid picture through his tears of how he stood behind that door, holding it with all his might praying that the Lord would spare his family.
He asked that God would spare his family and in return, he would humble himself and serve God from that day forward.
God answered Doug's prayer.
And Doug is holding up his end of the bargain.
We helped clear Doug's land and replant grass seed so that he will be able to plant some type of crop this year. Let me tell you, Doug was always smiling. It warmed my heart so much to see him carrying that seed distributor around laying seed before we shook out hay to cover and protect them.
Prayers are needed for him, though, my friends..... While he was holding the steel down onto the shelter, the Tornado was continually sucking all the air out of his lungs and then forcing it back in. In addition to the air, it was also forcing particles of debris along with it. Five months later, and Doug is having to prepare to undergo chemotherapy because of a fungus that is now growing in his lungs.
This man has gone through one of the scariest things I could ever imagine.... and now he is getting hit with this, too?! :(
I am praying hard for a quick and successful recovery.
I am so blessed to call this man my friend.
....More to come.
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