Miracles abound amid tragedy

In September, heavy storms and tornados swept across the state, leaving damage and destruction in their wake. President Bush declared about 30 Indiana counties a federal disaster. Hundreds of homes and businesses were destroyed and thousands more damaged.

According to reports from the Red Cross, 108 homes in the Indianapolis area alone were destroyed and more than 1,200 damaged.

But the UM church -- in its grand tradition of reaching out to help where needed -- stepped up and with the help of volunteers from the North and South conferences, eased some of the devastation. Many churches worked with agencies such as Red Cross and the Salvation Army to feed, clothe and shelter victims or to help clean up.

Perhaps the feelings of many are best conveyed by the Rev. P.T. Wilson of Ellettsville UMC. "We are blessed," said Wilson of Ellettsville residents. "Despite so many homes being destroyed or damaged, we had no loss of life and only three injuries -- none needing hospitalization . there are miracle stories all around." And indeed, there are.

Doug Walker, Conference Disaster Response Coordinator and Jan Jett contributed to this article.

Last updated on 01/14/2004

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