Tornado

A tornado struck Williamsville last Wednesday (8/19), destroying Casey's, and antique mall, the Christian Church, and 25 homes. It began its destruction around 3:20 and was out of town by 3:25.

Upon hearing about it, Walt took off work and we tried to get into the town to be available to people who were grieving. At every road into the town, patrols were set up blocking entrance. Some okay'd us to go into town--via foot due to debris in the streets--but as we would come to another inner blockade, we'd get pointed to a different entrance. After trying for about three hours to get into the town, we were finally allowed entrance and were directed to the Red Cross station where most victims were gathered, waiting to be told they could return to their homes.

We ran into the preacher at Williamsville Christian Church and he told us his terrifying experience of being among 7 people who were in the church when the tornado passed. We waited with him and his family while they waited for permission to get into their house to get belongings. And when they were allowed to head in, we headed home.

The next day, Walt went back and worked with the church people at salvaging what they could out of the church. Only the steeple and part of a roof were left standing, and a horse trailer ended up in the middle of the sanctuary. He said it was quite an experience to witness the male leadership in progress, making decisions no one would ever think they would have to make. He was quite impressed with the leadership and encouraged by their servant attitudes.

Our neighbor Bruce is a detective on the Williamsville PD and was in his patrol car when the tornado hit. He said it went right over him! He also had many good stories about the people of Williamsville working together and about the support coming from outside the town. Unfortunately, he had to arrest two pathetic criminals who were looting metal--ruined and new for reconstruction.

We listed our church with the Red Cross as a safe haven place, but all the victims were cared for in other ways. Hopefully our church will be able to continue ministering to these victims in the days to come.