The devastation left in the wake of the tornados that crossed Alabama on April 27 is overwhelming. The pictures you see on TV do not accurately reflect the horror of the true scene. Even when you stand in an area that once was a neighborhood of houses and see only unidentifiable fields of debris, it’s still hard to comprehend what these terrible storms did. The loss of property and, even more importantly, the loss of lives is staggering.

God called us to start a feeding ministry in order that we might glorify Him by providing fresh and healthy food to people in need. Our primary avenue for this has been our Thursday breakfasts in the park. However at the end of last week, He led us to begin serving in one of the devastated communities. Since Saturday, we have partnered with the members of Bethel Baptist Church in Pleasant Grove who are running a command post out of their church’s gym. Many nonperishable food items have been donated to those affected by the storm, but hot meals are in short supply. Grace’s Kitchen has been able to step in to this gap and provide hot, homemade meals for the people in this community. We also have been able to give the Bethel members a break by serving the food we bring and cleaning up after ourselves.

During these past few days, God has taught us so much. First, it is only through Him that we have been able to pull off these meals—prior to Saturday, we had no experience cooking for 500+ people. Second, He meets our needs to fulfill His purpose. In fact, every penny we have spent over the last week to feed the people of Pleasant Grove has been returned to us, plus more. Third, the Lord is with us and has not deserted us.

Isaiah 54:10 reads, “ ‘For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” This verse offers a beacon of hope to all who are facing overwhelming circumstances. It reminds us of God’s sovereignty and of His immense love for us. He sees and cares for all those who have been broken by tornados and by the storms of life. His love is massively greater than His wrath, and we must cling to Him alone. He is the only constant.

Our prayers are with our new friends in Pleasant Grove as well as those affected across our state. We pray for healing and for those who don’t know Christ to begin a relationship with Him. May His love and mercy rain down!