Cyclone Update

I am glad to report, that we are all fine and that the storm is over! It was a harrowing time of fear and anticipation as the cyclone made its way toward us and the potential for real devastation became more of a reality. I have seen the destruction on television of hurricanes in the States and heard many stories from people who’ve been through similar storms but the stark reality of possibly having your roof torn off, everything you own taken away, and grave harm come to you, your family, and friends really hits home (so to speak) when the wind increases strength and the rain lashes laterally on the widows. There was a point Wednesday morning when I saw that the storm had passed from Category 4 to 5 that I had a real sense of panic in my heart, a sense of fleeing that I had to repress to function properly. As time passed and I knew that we were at a point of no return, I felt God’s peace and a growing feeling of endurance. It turned out when the storm finally blew with all its force, the house was clearly secure and we were going to be fine. Nonetheless, though the kids slept deeply, the rest of us tossed and turned for most of the night due to the deafening sound of the roaring wind.

The next morning we awoke to an amazing display of nature’s power. Our back yard was wrecked. Three or four downed trees, the entire floor of the yard covered in leaves and branches as many of the bushes were reduced to skeletons. Palm fronds were scattered everywhere and large branches were strewn about. Two of the fallen trees pulled out the power cable that connected the house to the power pole and will lengthen our time until the restoration of electricity. We fared well compared to many in our community. Several houses had trees fall on top of them, power poles were also a danger as some leaned precariously over houses and streets while many streets were completely blocked from fallen trees. The local parks have over half of their trees uprooted and the coastal Strand area of town has yards of sand washed up on the road and sidewalk.

The clean up has begun with YWAM taking a huge lead in the process. On Thursday morning teams of YWAM staff made their way through the community helping clean yards and assist homeowners while the students helped out around the base. Our yard was cleaned up in no time and all that’s left to do is a lot of raking and pruning. The Oct. DTS went throughout the community yesterday and today volunteering to help anyone in need and were able to minister to and assist many.

Thank you very much for all your prayers! It is a total miracle that though the storm was powerful and destructive, only one man died and injuries have been fairly minor. Prayer is still needed for those who are starting their lives over again especially in Innisfail, Cardwell, Tully, Mission Beach, and Ingham. Please pray also, for the Oct. DTS as we continue to serve the folks of Townsville and the surrounding towns.