Continuing the story about the land hurricane (derecho) that hit Iowa on Monday August 10, 2020 - I thought it might help to see these pictures that show the devastation and help you to better understand what we are experiencing.

These pictures are representative of EVERY STREET in Cedar Rapids. Most pictures were taken several days after the storm…debris, limbs, tree trunks, brush, etc. are awaiting removal and pick-up by the city. It may be weeks before all is disposed of, because land fills are full and every house has so much to be collected and removed. There is a burn ban, due to the high heat and low humidity that has been in place since the storm.

President Trump, Vice-President Pence, Iowa Senators Grassley and Ernst, along with Governor Reynolds and other government officials have visited parts of Iowa and Cedar Rapids. Yet, more than fourteen days after the disaster, little co-ordination has happened to help those who need it desperately. Where is the media? Except for a few minor articles, mostly by secondary news organizations, this story has been largely unreported. If you feel led, please send this on and help us get the story out.

Some help has been approved for the farmers. Many of them have lost up to 60% or more of their crops, along with equipment and farm buildings, as well as livestock. One farmer reported that he had to shoot nine of his horses, as they were so badly injured by the storm. FEMA assistance has been approved for individuals. but it must be applied for and co-ordinated with insurance claims.

Many people are still without power, internet/wi-fi and have no way to know about how, where and when to get help. There has been no co-ordinated city effort to organize help and relief….no door-to-door checking on especially damaged neighborhoods and the elderly. Without power, media/government instructions and notices are not able to be accessed. People are seen sleeping out of doors; tent-cities have been created. The weather has been dry but extremely hot during the two weeks since the disaster, adding to the misery.

Volunteer neighbor groups are co-ordinating food distribution from donations; there is a dire need for infant formula, diapers, clothing, food, and housing. In the days following the storm, one grassroots organization grew into one of the largest volunteer efforts in the area, gathering donated food and supplies from across the country and distributing them to area residents. An article in the local Cedar Rapids newspaper, The Gazette, published this information on August 22: “Each day, volunteers with the Iowa Derecho Storm Resource Page hand out hot food while others drive across the city to deliver supplies to residents who call its hotline — (319) 432-9754.”

Please read the full article for further information from the August 22 issue of The Gazette: https://www.thegazette.com/cedar-rapids-iowa-derecho-official-government-response-slow-frustrated-20200820

The homes without power mean the residents have no air-conditioning or lights; the outside temperatures have been rising to sweltering heat the past two weeks, and it’s pitch-black at night. There may be up to 3,000 homes in Cedar Rapids that have been condemned; many of the homeowners have no place to go. Some are living in their cars; tent cities have been created where space can be found in city parks. ALL school buildings in Cedar Rapids were badly damaged, and there is still planning going on about if, when and how school can/will begin. Without shade of the many trees that have been destroyed, the grass and plants are withering and turning brown. Debris and tree limbs are everywhere, mostly now piled up high on the curbs waiting for pickup by city crews. There is difficulty about finding a place to put all of the refuse; burning is banned.

AND REMEMBER, THROUGH ALL OF THIS, THE AREA IS ALSO DEALING WITH THE CORONAVIRUS-19 PANDEMIC !

When we meet next time, I’ll continue this story and discuss how I think, in one of God’s Other Ways©, the Lord is in control through all of this.

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GOD IS ALWAYS IN CONTROL! 

I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me, so that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting people may know there is none besides me. I am the Lord, and there is no other. I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things. Isaiah 45: 5-7 NIV

It is I who made the earth and created mankind on it. My own hands stretched out the heavens; I marshaled their starry hosts. Isaiah 45:12 NIV

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If you liked this story and would like a copy of either of my books,
they are available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle format:

If you have a story or testimony that you think might bless others,
I invite you to send it by email to me (Kenneth Kersey) at godsotherways@me.com.

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