Indiana begins recovery from deadly tornado

By Daniel R. Gangler

Hours after a killer tornado cut a 41-mile swath through Indiana and Kentucky, United Methodists and other faith-based groups were offering both immediate response and a long-term outlook.

The three-quarter-mile-wide twister ripped across Kentucky and Indiana hours before dawn Sunday, Nov. 6, killing at least 22 people and injuring at least 200. State officials said nearly 600 homes in Vanderburgh and Warrick counties were destroyed or damaged. The tornado also cut through Spencer County in Indiana.

Most of the fatalities occurred in the Eastbrook Mobile Home Park in Evansville, Ind. At least 17 people died there, and more than 100 mobile homes were destroyed, according to reports from the Vanderburgh County sheriff.

According to Diaster News Network, National Guard crews were called in to assist with search and rescue as it continued through Wednesday.

Baker's Chapel United Methodist Church in Boonville was destroyed. Only the front concrete steps remained. Someone had placed a "He Lives" banner over the church's entrance sign. Several calls have been received by Indiana Bishop Michael Coyner and members of the South Indiana Conference about rebuilding Baker's Chapel. An appeal fund is being considered.

The United Methodist Church at Newburgh also sustained damage, as well as the parsonage of Methodist Temple United Methodist Church in Evansville, where the Rev. Bob Coleman, senior pastor, and his wife escaped injury when the parsonage chimney crashed through their bedroom which they had occupied only minutes earlier.

Faith-based disaster responders were assessing damages as early as Sunday afternoon Nov. 6 and planned to continue assessments through the week. Because the tornado lasted for a significant time and stayed on the ground for so many miles, assessments will have to cover a wide area, pointed out Bob Babcock, disaster response coordinator for the South Indiana United Methodist Conference.

Bishop and Mrs. Coyner toured the damaged area on Nov. 7. At Coyner's request, the United Methodist Committee on Relief has agreed to send emergency funds for recovery efforts. No Advance number has been assigned to date. Babcock and other responders said they had been receiving phone calls from people who want to help.

Local churches opened their doors to shelter people and provide meals. Among them are Epworth and Newburgh United Methodist churches. At press time, both churches continue in their relief efforts.

South Indiana Conference Volunteer in Mission Coordinator Carolyn Ellis has received numerous calls and volunteers are being scheduled to work through the Epworth church site. Experienced volunteers are needed immediately.

Volunteers may call Ellis at 812-890-7455 or Elsie Miller at the South Indiana Conference Center at 800-919-8160.

The Rev. Randy Anderson, acting disaster response coordinator for the Evansville District, said that Epworth Church will accommodate volunteers who want to serve more than one day. The church has showers and a kitchen. Volunteers will need to bring a sleeping bag. Volunteers need to call the Rev. Michael Monahan at 812-853-8107 or Anderson at 812-568-4746 before volunteering and/or staying at Epworth.

Indiana United Methodist churches are requested to send flood bucket kits, health kits and diapers to the Hazelton United Methodist Church. Those bringing supplies need to contact the Rev. Paul Huntsman at 812-784-2318.

Last updated on 25 Apr 2008

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