Newburgh Church Rallies Community to Support Tornado Victims in Missouri and Arkansas
By Isaiah Calalang
Published: 16 hours ago
NEWBURGH, Ind. (WEHT) — In a small but mighty corner of Indiana, a church ministry is stepping up in a big way to help those who have lost everything. After a series of deadly tornadoes tore through parts of Missouri and Arkansas last week, a Newburgh-based ministry called There’s Hope Disaster Relief is mobilizing its members and the local community to provide emergency aid to those impacted by the natural disaster.
The tornadoes, which hit several areas across both states, claimed multiple lives, left dozens injured, and displaced entire families. Communities that were once quiet and close-knit now resemble war zones, with homes flattened, trees uprooted, and power lines scattered like fallen toothpicks.
A Heartfelt Mission Sparked by Destruction
When the news of the devastation reached Newburgh, There’s Hope Disaster Relief Ministry didn’t waste a moment. Moved by the scenes of destruction and the testimonies of survivors, the ministry’s director swiftly organized a donation drive aimed at collecting essential items—everything from food and clothing to hygiene products and tools for cleanup.
“This isn’t just about disaster relief—it’s about restoring dignity and hope to people who have lost everything,” said the ministry’s director, who plans to personally drive the donations to the affected areas this weekend.
Currently, the ministry is urgently requesting non-perishable food, gently used or new clothing, and personal hygiene items such as soap, toothpaste, and sanitary products. Items like bottled water, blankets, and baby supplies (diapers, wipes, formula) are also in high demand.
“We want to be the hands and feet of Jesus,” the director explained. “And that means showing up when it matters most.”
From Pews to Pickup Trucks
What started as a humble mission within a local church has evolved into a full-scale relief operation. Members of the congregation have already begun filling the church hall with donated goods. Bottled water is stacked floor to ceiling. Hand tools for debris removal are sorted into crates. Volunteers are working long hours to organize, label, and prepare the supplies for transportation.
“We’ve seen incredible generosity from the community so far,” said one volunteer, who spent the weekend helping sort donated clothing. “People have been showing up with bags of food, cases of water, even cash donations to help cover gas and travel costs.”
Still, the ministry says there’s more to be done.
“We’re aiming to fill our trucks and trailers completely before we head out Saturday,” the director said. “Every can of food, every bottle of shampoo, every pair of socks makes a difference.”
A Regional Crisis With Deep Human Impact
The tornado outbreak that struck Missouri and Arkansas last week has been described by weather experts as one of the most severe this year. At least seven people have been confirmed dead, and dozens more have been hospitalized due to storm-related injuries.
Emergency response teams are still working to assess the full scope of the damage, but in many towns, basic infrastructure is already overwhelmed. Power outages are widespread, roads are blocked, and communication towers have been knocked out in several rural areas.
With resources stretched thin, faith-based organizations like There’s Hope Disaster Relief are playing a crucial role in bridging the gap between what government agencies can provide and what survivors urgently need.
How the Community Can Help
Local residents who wish to support the ministry’s efforts can contribute in several ways:
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Donate Goods: Items can be dropped off directly at the church. Specific needs include:
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Non-perishable food
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Bottled water
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Clothing (especially jackets, shoes, and kids’ clothes)
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Hygiene items (toothpaste, soap, deodorant, etc.)
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Cleaning supplies and hand tools (shovels, rakes, gloves)
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Baby items (diapers, formula, wipes)
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Volunteer: Help is needed to sort, pack, and load donations before the ministry departs for Missouri and Arkansas.
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Give Financially: Monetary donations can help cover fuel costs, lodging, and purchase additional supplies in bulk. The ministry is accepting cash, checks, and digital payments through their website and Venmo account.
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Spread the Word: Sharing the ministry’s mission through social media or word of mouth can help gather even more support from surrounding communities.
The Power of Faith in Action
For the members of There’s Hope Disaster Relief Ministry, this mission is not only a call to serve but a reflection of their faith in action.
“People think you have to be a celebrity or a millionaire to make a difference, but that’s just not true,” said a church elder. “We’re a small church with big hearts, and we believe in showing up—especially when it’s hard.”
As Saturday approaches, the team is preparing for a long journey filled with emotional moments and physical challenges. But they’re also carrying a message of compassion and resilience—a reminder that even in the darkest storms, human kindness can shine brightly.
Final Note:
If you’d like to donate or volunteer with There’s Hope Disaster Relief Ministry, you can contact the church directly or visit their official Facebook page for updated needs and drop-off times.
Let’s come together as a community and show our neighbors in Missouri and Arkansas that they’re not alone—because when disaster strikes, hope doesn’t have to be a distant dream. It can come rolling in on four wheels, packed with love.
Disclaimer – Our editorial team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any potential misinformation. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity in our content.