Devastation from the second tornado in Radium Springs, south Albany.
“The voice of the LORD splits the mighty cedars; the LORD shatters the cedars of Lebanon.”
January was a most difficult start for 2017. On January 2nd, a tornado (or straight-line wind) marched across central Albany, leveling thousands of trees and damaging hundreds of structures. The devastation was impressive. Perhaps the most picturesque area of our city, the century-old oak lined avenues, was terribly damaged. Scores of residents were without power and essentially trapped in their yards by the downed trees and mangled utilities.
Then it happened. Again.
Just three weeks later, following the warnings of our local meteorologists, another wave of severe thunderstorms pushed through the Albany area. This wave brought with it an F-3 tornado that touched down in south/east Albany. The devastation was even greater in this area. More than ninety percent of all the trees were gone. The residential damage was severe, with an entire mobile home park leveled, including some loss of life.
In both instances, Gillionville Baptist responded quickly to the relief needs of the community. Partnering with other local churches, GBC mobilized and sent out feeding teams and chainsaw crews into the affected areas. We also hosted over one hundred Samaritan's Purse and Billy Graham Evangelism team members for the duration of the clean-up on our campus.
GBYouth assisting the 8th Avenue chainsaw crew after the first storm.
GBYouth was instrumental in this effort. In the week following both storms, GBYouth leaders led the majority of the feeding and chainsaw crews. Additionally, our students took time away from school to help our neighbors in need. They assisted the chainsaw teams in removing limbs, raking debris, and ministering to those needing encouragement. They also gladly provided their youth facilities for the duration of the SP residency.
