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Winds of
Change
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A record number of storms ravaged the nation in May, affecting thousands. Victims often turn to their church for comfort. But in Pierce City, Mo., one of those hit hardest by a tornado was the town’s United Methodist pastor. The Rev. Crystal Wicks lost her home and business in one day. Her outlook remains optimistic, even knowing that at 72 years old, she has to start over. | ||
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Crystal Wicks / Pastor, First United Methodist Church: “This is Main Street, Pierce City. The tornado came right down this street. You can’t describe hardly the awful sound that it did make.”
Atop the First United Methodist Church sits a reminder of the power of nature … and faith.
Crystal Wicks: “It’s like a prayer being said, and it’s still being said for all that has happened here in the lives of people.”
The church sustained minor damage …
Crystal Wicks: “This church is way over a hundred years old.”
… but the pastor, Crystal Wicks, and her husband Jim lost their home and business to the storm.
Jim Wicks / Tornado Victim: “This is all part of the drum museum. It had a special place for each one of them. I just shrug it off and go on.”
Normally, the Wickses would’ve been in their second-floor apartment, relaxing after a day of church activities. But on that fateful day, they were downstairs when the tornado struck.
Crystal Wicks: “We lived in the apartment, which is all caved in. We’d have been killed, they tell us.”
Pastor Wicks believes she was spared that day for a reason, and she needs to get back as soon as she can to where she belongs – the pulpit.
Crystal Wicks: “We’ll have church next Sunday morning. And if you say, ‘Well, I was going fishing that day,’ you’ve still got time. Nine to 10 and you’re off on your way.”
She admits this experience has left her spirits twisted a bit; her town, torn into pieces. But her resolve is unbroken.
Winds of Change – Tag:
There were so many storms this spring that relief funds are critically low and many items, as well as volunteers, are needed. If you’d like to help, contact the United Methodist Committee on Relief at (800) 918-3100.