Tornado destroys home of children’s minister

The remains of the Stephens’ mobile home. (photo by Jerred England)

Blogging live from Oklahoma City
The debris from what’s left of Chris and Shelly Stephens’ mobile home tells the story.
The Stephens are members of the Del City Church of Christ, east of Oklahoma City, where Shelly Stephens serves as children’s minister.
The family, which includes daughters Kennedy and Tayte, lost their mobile home in the killer tornadoes that wreaked havoc on Oklahoma on Monday.
“It is a total loss,” said youth minister Jerred England, who is among church volunteers helping the Stephens family today. “The trailer rolled over once before coming to a stop. We are still salvaging a few things that are still in one piece.”
They were not home at the time. They had heeded tornado warnings and taken shelter elsewhere, where they escaped without injury, outreach minister Taylor Cave said.
England said the family has a temporary place to stay and is in great spirits — laughing and joking.
“They have most of their clothing, plenty of boxes and helpers, so there isn’t much anyone else can do right now,” he said in an e-mail. “Cars, the barn and a storage building all made it through. For now, I think prayers are appreciated. I’ll let you know if any other material need surfaces that the church can provide.”
The video below shows some of the devastation in Oklahoma.
For readers in Oklahoma, do you know of other members affected by the storm? Are there any specific needs? Please leave a comment.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQ7ZIMjXzts

• Feedback
  This is so sad. My heart goes out to the family. I grew up in a mobile home in rural Missouri and remember returning home several times after taking shelter at a neighbors house, wondering whether our home would still be there. Thankfully it always was. Glad this family is safe and will pray for them.

  Adam Gonnerman

  May, 11 2010

  Adam, my aunt, cousins and grandparents (my mom’s parents) lived in mobile homes in southeastern Missouri when I was a kid. I, too, can remember running from tornadoes back then!

  Bobby Ross Jr.

  May, 11 2010

  My prayers are with them and all of the families who lost loved ones and belongings.

  Janice Garrison

  May, 11 2010

  I am thankful they are all OK, and sorry to hear about the loss of their home. Glad they have a church family surrounding them who can help them during this time!! Praying for all those affected.

  Katherine

  May, 12 2010