0 Joplin Missouri

If you follow the news--and I have the impression that all of you do--you know about the EF-4 tornado that tore a one mile wide, six mile long swath through the center of Joplin, Missouri on Sunday night. It destroyed a hospital, schools, churches, and homes and (so far) is responsible for a 116 deaths. There are many still missing and I expect the numbers to rise.

We live 80 miles Southeast of Joplin. All we got here was wet. Most of my family lives nearby or north in Springfield, so we're fortunate in that regard. But Jeremiah's band, Stranger's Unaware, is headquartered there. They are all fine, but one member lost his home, another worked maintenance at the hospital and--for now--has no job. Others are missing family members and friends.

We are due more bad weather tonight. I am hoping that it fizzles out before it gets here.

If you want to help--here are some options:

You can donate to the Red Cross
You can donate to Convoy of Hope Or you can TEXT CONVOY TO 50555 TO DONATE $10

If you live locally you can donate blood. There is a code red for type O.
A lot local banks are taking donations as well.

There are also a number of Fund Raisers en force as I type this.

Please consider helping.