- May 2006 - Apr 2006 - Dec 2005 - Nov 2005 - Nov 2005 - Nov 2005 - Nov 2005 - Nov 2005 - Sept 2005 - Aug 2005 - Aug 2005 - Jun 2005 - Summer 2005 - Spring 2005 - Winter 2004 - Fall 2004 - Summer 2004 - Spring 2004 - Winter 2003 - Fall 2003 - Summer 2003 - Spring 2003 |
Evansville: Report from the Frontlines
November 10, 2005
I just returned this morning after spending the past couple of days in Southern Indiana. Evansville and Newburg were just 2 of the areas affected by the tornado that swept through this past weekend.
Typical workdays for HCRN staff start at 6:30am and last until 10pm (with planning and preparation for the next day taking until 3am at times). Even so, the same familiar faces from the IDHS (Indiana Department of Security) and National Guard would be there even earlier and stay later.
There are dozens of stories from survivors that wrench your heart. They have been through so much, and yet are still gracious and thankful. They are grateful for those of us helping there. They are thankful for the prayers and thankful for the homes left standing and lives that haven't been wiped out.
It took 35 minutes for this F3 Tornado to make it's way from Kentucky and in through Indiana. It will take until the end of the week to get the areas safe enough for the barricades to come down. We will have cleanup and volunteer crews strong for 3 weeks to get to clear of all debris. It will take over a year to repair and rebuild all the homes. For those who survived this devastation, there are no words or numbers to quantify their losses and emotional toll.
Please pray for this wonderful community that truly embodies the vision of what 'hometown' stands for.
-Randall Perry
How can you help? Volunteer or make a donation. Food and hardgoods donations should be dropped off at the Apple Center plaza in Evansville. You can go to any National City or Old National Bank and donate to the Hoosier Disaster Relief Fund. Your donation will be tax deductible and will go straight to the recovery and victim assistance.
