Neighborhoods are covered in debris, fallen trees and power lines in Greensboro, North Carolina, after an EF-2 tornado swept through the city’s east side on April 15. Blue and orange shirts dot the area as Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (RRT) chaplains partner with Samaritan’s Purse volunteers to help alleviate destruction and loss.
“Two [houses] are wiped off the face of the earth,” said crisis-trained chaplain Barbara Grabowski, commenting on the severeness of the damage. “We don’t even know where they are.”
One person was killed after high winds knocked a tree onto their vehicle. After seeing the amount of devastation, Barbara believes God protected more people from injuries or death.
In her role as a chaplain, she’s often faced with the brevity of life. As a result, Barbara is intentional with those she meets. Often, she directly asks people where they are in their relationship with the Lord.
“You can’t assume anyone knows the Lord until you ask those questions,” Barbara said.
She and 13 other chaplains are giving emotional and spiritual care to those facing loss in Greensboro.
“We are here to provide words of comfort,” said chaplain Ken Dunlap. He’s been reminding people, “God’s grace and plans haven’t changed even though they’re going through a storm.”
Among those Ken reminded is Tyrell Boykins, who was wearing a Carolina Panthers shirt. The men had an immediate sports connection, making conversation easy among the two strangers.
Ken soon found that Tyrell was an electrical lineman, working to restore power to the area.
But Ken saw an opportunity to redeem another area—Tyrell’s heart.
“Before we leave, we’d like to have the privilege to pray with you,” said Ken, alongside another chaplain. “What steps have you taken to have peace with God?”
“I’m working on it,” Tyrell said.
In response, the chaplains shared that God loves him, and that God’s desire is for him to make Christ his Savior.
“Man, I would like to do that,” said Tyrell, who then prayed to receive Christ.
A short while later, another man faced the same decision.
Leon Tisdale was sitting on a chair in his yard, which had just been cleared by Samaritan’s Purse volunteers, when two chaplains asked if he had ever accepted the Lord.
“No, my mother was a minister and she made me go to church,” 66-year-old Leon responded. “I resented that.”
After talking a while and knowing eternity was at stake, chaplain Ervin Lassitor encouraged Leon to look past his resentment.
“This is between you and the Lord,” Ervin told him.
At that, Leon decided to let go of his resentment and give his heart to God. The 30 Samaritan’s Purse volunteers who had previously worked on his home then paused helping at the house next door to congratulate and hug their new brother in Christ.
A strong sense of community and love for others is being felt around the city.
“Even though they have nothing left … we see God using this disaster to bring them all together,” Barbara said. “It’s amazing. Neighbors are helping neighbors they’ve never talked to before.”
As Greensboro recovers from the tornado, please continue to keep them in your prayers.
Receive the hope of Christ today.
