Churches of Christ in Oklahoma assess damage, brace for another round of severe weather (Updated)

It’s a bizarre sensation, driving the familiar route from work to your house, not knowing if it’s still standing.
That’s the kind of afternoon many of us who attend the Memorial Road Church of Christ in Oklahoma City had Sunday, May 19.

A member of the Memorial Road Church of Christ in Oklahoma City shows the huge hail stones that fell near his home. (Photo provided)

About 4 p.m., tornado sirens blared and television reporters started naming the streets of our neighborhood in the path of a mesocyclone — a weather system likely to birth funnel clouds. Church members put bicycle helmets on their children and made the short drive to Oklahoma Christian University, where we gathered in a low-lying lecture hall and watched news reports. Meteorologists reported a tornado on the ground — just east of our homes.
The storm moved by quickly. As best we can tell, the funnel started to spin less than a mile northeast of campus. No injuries were reported among church members. Churches here are collecting damage reports and preparing to send relief teams.
That funnel expanded and headed northeast, smashing through the small town of Carney. Another massive tornado developed and destroyed homes in a trailer park north of Shawnee, Okla. The grandmother of a member of the Northridge Church of Christ lost her home, a spokeswoman for the church said. We’re following up on other damage reports.
Note: Tornado sirens went off as I was getting this post together. I wrote the final paragraphs while waiting out a storm in the same place I was yesterday (see below). A massive tornado has been reported in Moore, Okla ., south of Oklahoma City. See our updated post about that storm.

• Feedback
  Glad our sisters and brothers are helping… I want to help.. I just wish I knew what I could try to do….
  I hope everyone is ok…
  We will be praying for you each day…

  prettyjuls

  May, 20 2013

  The Crenshaw Church of Christ in Los Angeles, California will be praying for all of you. God has his loving arms around you so keep the faith!
  Angela

  Angela Cranon-Charles

  May, 20 2013

  […] Churches of Christ in Oklahoma assess damage, brace for another round of severe weather Tornado sirens went off as I was getting this post together. I wrote the final paragraphs while waiting out a storm in the same place I was yesterday (see below). A massive tornado has been reported in Moore, Okla., south of Oklahoma City. We�re praying for the people there and will post updates. […]

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  May, 21 2013

  My name is Kenny, I am a member of the Church of Christ of South Mobile County, in Alabama. My wife and I lost everything we had in hurricane Katrina (no loss of life)I know what a lot of people are going through. Please let me know if the Churches of Christ can get you guys some help out there. Prayers always! [email protected] , 251-873-4193 home, cell 251-599-7234,

  Kenny

  May, 21 2013

  If the Church of Christ in Mobile Al can help ,please let us know what you need!

  Kenny

  May, 21 2013

  to my brothers and sisters in Oklahoma our thoughts and prayers are with you.if we can help in any way please let us know.

  ronnie logston

  May, 21 2013

  To all those affected by the tornado, our hearts and prayers are with you. Here in Bloomington, IN were are rarely inpacted by the storm destruction you have experienced. I hope all Americans will take the time to make a donation to your local organizations to help with the recovery of your citizens. Anita

  Anita Rausch

  May, 21 2013