VILONIA UPDATE This morning, we woke up to devastating images from tornado damage in Vilonia as the result of a massive storm. As you know, First NLR has a church in Vilonia, where last night’s storms caused massive damage. I am receiving scores of emails, texts and Facebook messages asking for an update. Please forgive me for not being able to personally respond to each message, but I wanted to get you this report as soon as possible. This is also going out in email form to our church family ASAP. Our pastors, staff and their families are all safe, and actively ministering to people in our church family and in the community. Our lead pastor in Vilonia is Pastor John Wimberly. Immediately after the tornado, John assisted in locating people in the wreckage of homes. He and the rest of our team are involved in the efforts this morning to help people recover possessions. Please pray for our pastors to have wisdom, strength, and safety as they minister to hurting people. Our other pastors in Vilonia are Pastor Ashley Duff and Pastor B.J. Herndon. In addition, Pastor Jim King, from our Little Rock Campus lives in Vilonia. Pastor Ashley spent much of last night attempting to locate and account for our church family. As of this morning, here’s what we know: at least four families in our church had their homes completely destroyed, while many others sustained damage. We are thankful that although their homes were destroyed, their lives were spared. At least one of our church members lost his business. We are still getting reports from others. We are ministering to the families, and providing whatever help and assistance they need. Vilonia is a small town, and a close knit community. Although none of our church members were killed, many of them have lost people whom they know and love. There are many families this morning in shock, grieving after suffering devastating loss. We will minister not only to our church family, but to others in need in the area. Many have asked how they can help. We have established a fund to assist the church in Vilonia as they reach out to the community. We began giving assistance last night, knowing people would want to give towards the need. The money you give will be distributed through the church, and our pastors in the community. At this point, the best thing we can do is make funds available for needs as they arise. If Pastor John sees that clothing, etc. is needed, we will update you. Here’s how you can give: 1. Give online at firstnlr – use the code Vilonia Disaster. 2. Bring a check by or mail to the church office – write “Vilonia Disaster” on the memo line. Praying for Vilonia, Pastor Rod Loy P.S. Our focus has been on ministering to families, rather than thoroughly checking our facility, but it does not appear our church building sustained any major damage.
Posted on: Mon, 28 Apr 2014 12:53:47 +0000
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