Christians reach out after tornado devastates Joplin

The tornado measured half a mile across and caused huge devastation as it swept over homes, businesses and the city hospital on Sunday, killing at least 117 and injuring others.

Four feeding stations capable of serving thousands of meals and drinks have been set up by The Salvation Army in affected areas of the city, home to 50,000 residents.

Tussiona Mikell sheltered in a cooler at a Dollar Tree store as the tornado passed overhead. She told CNN that people cried out to Jesus as the giant twister struck.

“There was a lot of calling on Jesus. People were crying, saying different things. I was calling out ‘Jesus, Jesus, Jesus’,” she said.

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s Rapid Response Team is assessing needs on the ground together with Samaritan’s Purse.

Preston Parrish, executive vice president of ministries at BGEA said its priority was to stabilise the situation and provide people with basic necessities.

“We are praying for area residents, that they will experience the presence and care of Christ in the midst of these storms,” he said.

Baptists are being encouraged to get in touch with a sister church in the area to help provide relief to victims.

John Marshall, president of the Missouri Baptist Convention, told the Baptist Press: “We are praying and will be sending help in every way we can. May God help the people of Joplin.”

Rescuers have been working round the clock to find survivors as weather forecasters warn that more storms are looming.

Searchlights were even brought in to allow rescuers to keep searching through the night.

At least 17 people have been pulled alive from the rubble but there are concerns for around 130 people who are still missing.

The dead include five patients and a visitor at St John’s Regional Medical Center, which took a direct hit.

Local news reports estimate that around 75 per cent of the city was destroyed by the tornado.