Tragedy has struck Oklahoma once again with the tornadoes of Tuesday afternoon and evening. Those of us who have lived here very long know that we live in a part of the world identified as “Tornado Alley.” We accept that fact and do our best to prepare and protect ourselves and those we love from the damaging effects of such wicked weather!

On Tuesday afternoon, our staff was in our Prayer Chapel for our weekly time of intercession for our church family. As we were concluding our time of prayer, we heard the tornado sirens sounding downtown. Since we had over 100 people in our sanctuary at that time for a Conference event; we immediately evacuated them to our Children’s Area on the first floor. Our childcare workers already had our children in the hallway including infants in their cribs. The process was extremely orderly and most effective. I was very impressed by our Staff for their quick response and commitment to others' safety After checking radar on local television, we gave the “all clear” signal for people to return to their respective places in the church.

We continued to monitor weather conditions and I called Robin to make sure she was safe in our laundry room, since tornadoes were tracking toward our home and other First Church members in Edmond. Later, I attempted to reach Billee and Randa Norman’s home in Edmond near 150 th and Penn. Traffic lights were out and the police had closed the roads due to downed electrical lines. I was turned back when I attempted to get through. We did find out they were safe, but didn’t have electricity and couldn’t leave their home. We too lost electricity for a couple of hours at our home, but no other damage. I called a couple of our other members yesterday to be sure they were ok – all was well. I thank God for his protection over our people and for the blessing of being part of the family of God at First Church. Thanks to those of you who called or e-mailed my family to check on our well being, too.

Please be in prayer for the people of Lone Grove, Oklahoma. Kirk reported to me that they have experienced the loss of 15 lives; though news reports list only 8 currently. He drove a U-Haul truck with Bob Niemsyk last evening taking 5200 cardboard boxes to Lone Grove on behalf of First Church. The boxes and the truck were donated locally. I’m so glad we can pray for our brothers and sisters in time of need and “put feet to our prayers” as well! Stay close to Jesus!

Yours in Christ,
Mark

P.S. Husbands and boyfriends alert!!! Valentine’s Day is Saturday! Men, plan to join us next weekend for our annual Men’s Retreat at Camp Canyon. Kirk and I will be sharing about “Maximum Marriage!” You won’t want to miss it and of course, Jungle Pong!(You do not have to be in the doghouse to attend!)