A tornado passed through Stokes County on Wednesday May 24, 2017 and lifted right over the top of Chestnut Grove UMC, King NC. I was in the church with the children from our afterschool ministry, several women who are neighbors to the church, and my son, Lt. Joey Lemons, with Stokes County Sheriff's office. The tornado came quickly through our community and left a wide path of destruction. Fortunately, God lifted the tornado over the church, and we were spared. From all directions as you stand and look at our church grounds, you can see the destruction of the tornado, but the church was not harmed. Those of us who were in the church were not harmed as we waited out the storm in the basement. Little did we know at that moment how bad the damage was from the storm, or just how close we had been in harms way until it was over. Starting that Wednesday night, our church sprang into action going to work to help our neighbors. For the next 9 days, our church would serve as a hub of activity for those working to help the victims would stop in to communicate and have a meal. We had over 11 agencies working together helping our community. Still the phone is ringing on a daily basis regarding a family in need from the tornado.
From our own church family we had several families that took a great loss with trees down on their farm, one across a house, another split a mobile home in half. With all this damage, we praise God that no one was hurt. One family in our church has been displaced by the tornado, and is currently living in the church parsonage as my guest while our church is looking for this family a new place to rent to help them get back on their feet. Life for us is not back to normal yet. Our days are still busy. We are still busy trying to help our neighbors and our community. We want to say, thanks for all the help that has been extended to help the people of Stokes County. We do appreciate all that has been done. There is still much work to do in the recovery phase we are now experiencing. Rebuilding is slow work. If you want to help or ask your church to help in some way, you can contact our church at 336-983-9657 and leave a message at the church office. I will be glad to return your call. The church address is: Chestnut Grove UMC, 1024 Volunteer Rd, King NC 27021. We are sure we are blessed to be a blessing. We are sure God spared us. We are sure God is with us. Come join us when you can. Rev. Dr. Evelyn Lemons
Let's pray our way forward
Let the children come to me. Jesus
