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| Greensburg residents and neighbors filled the tent to overflowing for the Mother’s Day church service in the park. |
GREENSBURG, KANSAS (ANS) -- God must have been smiling Sunday, May 13 in Greensburg, Kansas. Denominational differences were set aside for a city-wide non-denominational church service just nine days after the town was virtually wiped from the map by an F-5 tornado. The service was organized by the Kiowa County Ministerial Association which represents eleven Christian denominations. The service was held at the city park on the East side of Greensburg where damage was less devastating. Official estimates indicate that 95% of the homes and buildings in the town were either destroyed or damaged beyond repair.
Everything, including a tent for 700 to 1,000 was donated by area businesses and organizations. Prior to the service and afterwards, Greensburg residents shared their experiences in the tornado and mostly just visited with friends that they had not seen since the tornado. A few tears were shed, but mostly, everyone was happy to be live and praising God for his protection. All residents have been evacuated to shelters in surrounding towns and communities. The tent was filled to capacity with an overflow crowd listening to the message in the bright spring sun of Southwest Kansas.
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| An old fashioned Mother’s Day picnic was provided to everyone following the worship service. |
Each pastor shared a short message, and all focused on the love of God and how He is still taking care of His children. Several pastors made reference to the scattering of the Jews and noted how Greensburg residents have been scattered, but they are still one people. God is caring for them, just as he has done for His chosen people of Israel. All emphasized that Greensburg will be rebuilt, and will be even better than before the tornado. Hymns included, “Majesty, Worship His Majesty,” “Surely the Presence of the Lord,” “This is a day of new beginnings” and “Amazing Grace.”
The day had a special meaning for mothers as Mother’s Day was being celebrated across America. Florists from throughout Southwest Kansas donated carnations, and each mother was given a flower. Children also had the opportunity to play as they have not been able to for the last week. Following the service, volunteers provided a free picnic in the park including hamburgers, hot dogs and all the trimmings…including the cherished commodity of ice-cold bottled water.
Although Greensburg has few standing buildings, a complete tent-city has sprung up on the outskirts of the town. In addition to the National Guard, representatives from many disaster assistance organizations have set up office to help the residents rebuild their lives. There was even a “free” general store in the park where people could pick up cleaning supplies, snacks and a few toys for the children. Trauma teams and Chaplains from several organizations are also on hand to help the residents deal with the grief and other emotions that the residents are experiencing.
Help Is Still Needed
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| Greensburg residents were able to pick up cleaning supplies, snacks and even toys for the kiddos at a free general store set up in the park. |
Virtually every Christian denomination and church in Southwest Kansas has set up a fund to help the Greensburg residents. Other major disaster assistance organizations are also on-hand and can accept donations world-wide. You can make credit card donations through the Salvation Army by calling 1-800-Sal-army or their website www.salvationarmyusa.org and you can specify that your contribution goes to Southwest Kansas. Monetary donations can be mailed to the Dodge City United Way at 236 San Jose, Suite 123, Dodge City, Kansas 67801 or call 620-227-8793. Monetary donations can be mailed to the Kansas Disaster Relief Fund of the Red Cross at Box 1663, Dodge City, Kansas 67801 or call 620-272-3651. Catholic Social Services is also accepting monetary donations at the Office of the Bishop, Box 137, Dodge City, Kansas 67801. Samaritan’s Purse already has volunteers in Greensburg and they are soliciting more volunteers for work details as well as monetary donations. Visit www.samaritanspurse.org. Virtually every community and almost all financial institutions in Southwest Kansas have funds established and many area businesses are accepting non perishable food items, clothing and monetary donations.
America has responded wonderfully, but the need will continue for a long time. This love from around the world was noted at the church service, and prayers of thanksgiving are being sent from Greensburg as the love of Christ is shinning in Greensburg.
For an up-close look at the destruction and devastation that this tornado brought to Greensburg, click on the following link to a slide show. Be sure to look for the American flags and “Jesus Saves” that someone painted on the remains of their home. http://www.pbase.com/gbphotos/greensburg&view=slideshow
Stan Wilson is owner and publisher of Southwest Kansas Faith and Family, a monthly Christian newspaper serving Southwest Kansas including Greensburg.