“Mommy, Hold Me!”

One Month. Ashley and Jason S., and their two children, have been surviving the horrific tornado that struck Moore, Oklahoma on May 20, 2013. Last week, as I sat with them face to face Ashley recounted being in the storm shelter that saved her children Andrew (11) and Jacob (6), as the tornado roared overhead. Sylvesters

“We held hands and prayed for Jesus to help us no matter what happens. Andrew cried out, “Mommy, Hold Me!”, sobbed Ashley. Andrew has aspergers and has never before asked to be held, which is common with his symptoms.

Her whole house blew down around them. Yet, they are ALIVE! Sylvester House

Recounts Jason just last night, “My family and I were in a state of disbelief”. That was made even further difficult in that Jason was in Afghanistan at the time of the tornado. It took him 5 days to get home. His entire home was destroyed, except just a few possessions. Yet his beloved family did survive with their lives, in a storm shelter in what was once their garage. He adds, “A normal day in Oklahoma, in just a few minutes Oklahoma Elementarysuddenly turned into the single most life-changing event in our family history. We felt helpless and overwhelmed, but most of all blessed that we had made it through the tornado with our lives.”

Mission Team in Oklahoma“Today”, he goes on, “we’re cleaning up the few items we could salvage and are gaining a sense of hope.  With help of therapy and love from CitiIMPACT Mission Teams, our children are slowly beginning more normal levels of activity. We’re still overwhelmed with all that has to be done, but remain optimistic the future holds stability for our family.”

Because of your efforts with CitiIMPACT, many such stories of HOPE and HELP arise from the destruction of natural disasters, and the disasters of life in general. Please continue to Support and BE Part of the efforts with us for those who need “a sense of hope”. Together we are reaching families like Jason’s in several states right now.

Be and ACT like this, another young man named Andrew long ago:

Mark 1:16 “As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said,“and I will send you out to fish for people.” 18 At once they left their nets and followed him.”

Blessings to you today!

JD Smith

CEO CitiIMPACT