Tornadoes exploded across Arkansas on February 5, 2008, and were reported to sound like freight trains roaring by… or as some suggested, the scream of jet fighters flying overhead; but Wanda Watson, who is a member of the Mountain View Seventh-day Adventist Church never heard a sound as she stood at the ironing board in her kitchen.  True, her dog and cat were pacing around and acting strange, but Wanda, who has been deaf since she had measles as a baby, never knew what was going on outside until she felt wind on her neck.  When she turned around to see what was going on, she stumbled over shattered glass from her windows and realized that part of her roof was missing.  Her daughter came to check on her and took her to the Emergency Clinic for treatment for cuts from the flying glass—and to get her blood pressure checked!
            When she returned home she found that lightening had mangled her van and had melted the garage doors.  Windows were shattered, her roof sustained major damage, and all the trees in her yard were blown down, but her faithful dog and cat were waiting for her.
            Thursday, President George Bush issued a major disaster declaration for 10 Arkansas counties, and faith-based organizations throughout the country are gearing up for the massive reconstruction project that is about to begin.  Arkansas-Louisiana Adventist Community Services and Disaster Response (ARKLA ACS DR) Director, Lavida Whitson, has been in the area assessing the damage and has been asked to head up a warehouse for disaster supplies.  She has been looking for a suitable building they can work from.  Distribution sites have been set up in our Russellville, Mt. View, and Clinton Seventh-day Adventist Churches.  ACS Area Coordinators and church members are working hard to relieve the suffering.  Mobile units are handing out personal care kits, blankets, clean-up kits and brooms.
            So far we have learned of over 500 homes that have been destroyed or damaged; with over 20,500 people affected by the storms.  None of our Adventist churches or schools were damaged but from several different areas in the state we have reports that four Adventist families lost their homes totally and four other Adventist families’ homes have sustained major damage.  Right now we are still gathering data.  Most communities are still offering immediate food, shelter and clothing but in the days and weeks ahead, as the needs are evaluated, we will be coordinating efforts to help those who may not be able to recover independently.  We ask for your prayers and appreciate the monetary donations being given.  Please remember to mark on your check or tithe envelope Arkansas Tornado Response.
Thank you,
Lavida Whitson
ARKLA ACS DR Director