On June 12, a team from St. Luke traveled to London, Kentucky for a one-day disaster relief mission….showing up with chainsaws, prayer shawls, and open hearts!

We had the privilege of serving Lydia Hughes and her family (in the rose-colored tank and yellow graphic), who were home with their four children and others when the tornado passed overhead. Miraculously, the house had only minor damage, but the surrounding trees were devastated. Our team helped clear debris, cut wood, and haul away destruction.

Before beginning, we prayed with Lydia. She asked for special prayers for her father-in-law, who is currently in the hospital. We were able to give her a prayer shawl from our prayer shawl ministry to pass on to him and his wife.

As we worked, we were reminded of their powerful faith. Lydia pointed to a white sheet tangled high in a tree (she called it their “surrender sheet”) a symbol of surrendering it all to God, not giving up. And just a few steps away, an untouched cross her husband had placed in the woods still stood among the wreckage. A sacred space, preserved.

We also left behind a cross made from the fallen trees…beauty from brokenness.

This is what it means to be the Church! Thank you to all who served and prayed!