Operation Compassion Responds to Tornado Outbreak
This past weekend was one of the worst times across the United States for tornadoes. Beginning with a line of severe thunderstorms that formed overnight, tornadoes were a threat until early Sunday morning across one half of our nation. One of the worst storms occurred in Mena, AR, a farming community not far from the Oklahoma state line.
The line of storms that produced this killer tornado devastated the area as more than 1,000 homes and businesses were destroyed or severely damaged, more than 22 people were injured and 3 persons were killed.
Almost immediately, Operation Compassion’s disaster network began to move product and supplies into the devastated area. God’s Pit Crew, under the direction of Randy Johnson, has been onsite with scores of volunteers trying to help local survivor’s clean up and remove debris. In addition, the distribution of 3 semis is in process on a daily basis as survivors pick up what they need.
Pastor Kenneth Posey and the Southside Church of God have graciously hosted our disaster site in Mena. They are closest to the damaged area and have been serving hot meals to the survivors and volunteers.
As is the case in most major disasters, the disaster network that Operation Compassion has assembled continues to play a pivotal role in delivering product, supplies and equipment. The charities and agencies involved fulfill a unique role in supplying a disaster site. God’s Pit Crew from Danville, VA is one example. Their semi trailer is outfitted with different types of hand tools from heavy duty chainsaws to smaller rakes and shovels. They can bring in bobcats and other heavy equipment designed to move trees and debris from roads and yards. They can be self-contained as they work through a disaster area for as long as two or three weeks depending on the needs.
Operation Compassion is privileged to work with God’s Pit Crew and is glad they are a part of this network assisting survivors of catastrophic storms. Of course, neither Operation Compassion nor its disaster network could continue to help survivors without the help of its many donors. It takes faithful and consistent donors in order for Operation Compassion to be prepared to move its assets at a moments notice.
Please send your donations to or contact:
Operation Compassion
Donnie W. Smith, D.Min., Executive Director of Care Division
David Lorency, President
Tim Burdashaw, Int’l. Operations Coordinator
Lisa Boen, Int’l. Logistics Coordinator
114 Stuart Road, NE Suite 370
Cleveland, TN 37312
423.728.3932 Office
423.728.3958 Fax
