Call for prayer following tornadoes, storms in American Midwest

Tornado damage of Washington, Illinois as seen from Our Savior Lutheran Church’s parking lot on Monday, Nov. 18, 2013. On Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013, one of many tornadoes ripping across Illinois touched down in Washington, a central Illinois town of about 15,000. The tornado damaged many homes and Our Savior Lutheran Church. LCMS Communications/Dan Gill.

USA – Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) is calling on its members to hold its American partner church in prayer following tornadoes and major storms this past weekend in the American Midwest.

A view of St. John’s Lutheran Church from the southwest. The taller portion was built in the 1860s and featured 3-foot thick stone walls. The lower portion — the fellowship hall — had been built about 10 years ago. Photo: LCMS Communications

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) reports that two of its churches were severely damaged during November 17’s storms. St. John’s Lutheran (New Minden, Illinois) had apparently been empty only ten or fifteen minutes following service that morning when a storm ripped off the church’s steeple and much of the sanctuary building’s roof.

The situation was even scarier at Our Saviour Lutheran (Washington, Illinois). Service had just begun when tornado sirens went off. Members took shelter in the basement, as the storm tore off the basement’s doors, swept away a garage, broke windows, and damaged the roof. The roof of the parsonage was also significantly damaged.

No injuries were reported in either event. In addition to damages to the two church buildings, the LCMS reports that a number of its congregations’ members have suffered significant damage to their homes. LCMS Disaster Response is already reaching out to those affected by Sunday’s storms.

“We share a great friendship with The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod,” said Rev. Nolan Astley, LCC’s First Vice President. “Let us keep them in prayer during this difficult time, that God would grant them the comfort that comes from knowing Jesus Christ and His mercies.”

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