Joplin Update

When the fatal tornado struck Joplin, MO as a church we decided to help those whose homes were destroyed and were left with nothing. We sent a team immediately to help those in need, while we also extended the invitation for donations. Below is a letter we have received from the church to whom our donations were received. Continue to pray for this community as they seek to rebuild what has been lost.

Dear Friends,

Thank you for your generous gifts to the tornado relief fund of Forest Park Baptist Church. Much of my city lies in ruins, but the concern and love shown by people like you has made a powerful difference.

My church has 104 families whose homes/apartments were destroyed or damaged. About half of these were not insured or under-insured. Your gift has helped these families get into rental housing, obtain basic necessities, and put food on the table–even if that table is borrowed or donated. In addition, through our new Mission Joplin ministry, we are serving about 150 families each day. We have turned our bus barn into a distribution center with food, clothing, hygiene items, housewares, cleaning products, etc. Those hit by the tornado are welcome to take what they need…for free. It is the store with no cash register! For more information visit missionjoplin.tv.

Each person who goes through Mission Joplin is assigned a “personal shopper” to assist them. In addition to helping them find what they need, we share the Gospel with them and pray for their needs. Yesterday I took three people, all of whose homes had been destroyed, through our center, and I had the joy of leading one to pray to receive Christ. We have seen that meeting physical needs opens the door to meet spiritual needs.

We ask for your continued prayers. This is the biggest challenge I’ve faced in 29 years of pastoring. The need is enormous. But God is always bigger than our need. Thank you again for your generous gift.

Much love,

Dr. John Swadley

Received – $3,690