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Iowa Churches Assist Tornado Relief Efforts

By June 3, 2008July 16th, 2014No Comments

bb-incopy-tornado.jpgNEW HARTFORD, Iowa—A number of tornadoes struck northeastern Iowa on Sunday, May 25, destroying homes belonging to members of First Baptist Church, New Hartford.

“The path of the tornado was about four or five blocks north of the parsonage and church which left only mud and debris on the exteriors and property,” Pastor Ben Epley said. “Three of our families have destroyed homes. The Lord is already setting them on higher ground as we have seen at least eight of our sister churches send help this last Saturday. God has protected each one through this storm and I trust that He will lead them in coming days.”

Pastor Roger Crawford of Calvary Baptist Church, Union, Iowa, assembled a “Helps Team” from the Iowa Association of Regular Baptist Churches to assist the tornado survivors in New Hartford on Saturday, May 31. Many helped at the home of one of the church deacons, Rob Swailes, whose was moved off the foundation and will have to be torn down (photo at right). Their garage was torn off, and roof lifted and set back down. Ben Epley, pastor of First Baptist, reported that many people showed up for the work day and much was accomplished.