“Two major storms hit across Wisconsin this past weekend bringing 16 confirmed tornados and lots of straight line winds,” reports Alice Garrett, Wisconsin Adventist Community Services Director. “Many were without power for days, and some still do not have power. I don’t believe there was any loss of life, for which we are grateful.”

Just one week after completing their training in Disaster Response Donations Operations, Greg and Wendy Larson, members of the Living Faith SDA Church, responded to needs in the hard-hit Langlade County where lack of power and water were immediate needs. Walking down debris-strewn streets, Greg and Wendy went door-to-door offering bottled water to each resident. Wendy described her experience saying, “Greg and I were blessed by going up north and giving out water to people who were devastated by the recent storms…so blessed!!!”

Many Clear Lake Church members lost power for 39 hours, and volunteers were able to get some generators going for most of the families that were involved. Some members of area SDA churches had trees down and volunteers came and helped clear out their yards. “These efforts in helping our church brethren were definitely a blessing,” said Alice Garrett, Wisconsin Adventist Community Services Director.

The Antigo Adventist church reported their members have been busy helping their community. One incident reported a tree crushing both cars of one family. Volunteers were able to help the stranded family and acquire items they needed.

“As with any disaster, reports come in slowly,” said Alice, “but God is good. Both Polk and Barron Counties here on the west side are experiencing a lot of tree and structure damage. This weekend we will be having volunteer centers in each county open. Volunteers will meet and then will go out as a team to help remove debris from roads and private homes.”

Adventist Community Services (ACS) volunteers provide disaster response services through the ACS Disaster Response Ministry to assist individuals, families and communities affected by natural and manmade disasters and unforeseen tragedies. Their purpose is not only to share the good news of salvation, but also to demonstrate the love of God to people who are in need.

Juanita Edge, Communication Director