Missouri and Oklahoma Tornadoes

Last night an EF3 Tornado reportedly 1 mile wide touched down south of Joplin, Missouri. One of the largest and most devastating tornadoes we have seen in this area in many many years. The death toll has been said to be around 20-22 people.

Everyone we knew is okay, but there are many that have lost friends and family. Ethereal Productions would like to let those people know we will be praying for those families and those friends that have lost loved ones.

In May of 2003 I, Randall Benson, was based out of my home in Carl Junction, Missouri where a similar thing had happened. A tornado came through and destroyed part of our house. Nonetheless, everyone was okay including our dogs. Only 2 elderly people died that day, but many homes were lost.

It is a scary thing to think about tornadoes heading towards you and to think of what has happened in the aftermath of the storm. I was not at the house when the tornado hit, but my parents were. I was at a church in a basement. When I got out and had realized what had happened panic had struck. Fear caused me to speed to our house. After not being able to get to my house the normal way due to downed powerlines I went around and was able to get home (after running a mile and getting picked up by friends because the authorities wouldn't let me to my own home). As I fell to the ground in a pant after seeing my family completely okay I had realized there is nothing that can bring back family or friends. It was my first real understanding of death.

I did not know anyone personally that was harmed by this storm system, but I do pray that all will find peace and calm after the storm.