The death toll from the mid south storms topped more than 70 as tornadoes and hurricane-force, straight-line winds ripped across Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee during the early hours of the morning.
And Christians are responding to the disaster.
Bryant Wright, SEND Relief president, called on Southern Baptists to pray for those affected by the tragedy saying, “Let’s give generously to help these people recover, clean up and rebuild.”
SEND Relief has set up a donation site for those wishing to make a monetary donation for relief.
Kevin Ezell, president of the North American Mission Board, expressed concern for those affected by the storms. He posted on twitter “Please join me in praying for those impacted and the many volunteers who will be responding.”
Wright asked for prayer for “the many Disaster teams who are mobilizing volunteers to go in and serve those who are hurting.”
Coy Webb, crisis relief director for SEND Relief, told Baptist Press he had been in contact with disaster relief directors in the states affected by the storms throughout the day Saturday. He said plans are being made to send workers to affected areas.
Webb said the best way for Southern Baptists to make an impact is through prayer and by giving financially.
Todd Gray, Kentucky Baptist Convention executive director-treasurer, said “we will pull together today and, in the weeks ahead, to serve our neighbors in the name of Jesus.”