Keeping Faith In Sight

Even as I showed my volunteer identification card proving me to be Madison Lorey of the Marston Community Service Center, I stood transfixed by what I was seeing.

The scene took my breath away. Crumbled buildings. Piles of torn-up lumber. Trees down. Odd-shaped pools of water. The stench of oil, gas, burned wood, blood, and urine. I shivered, watching the clustered groups of people. Then I noticed the largest of several tents. The voice of the man I had been looking for caught my attention.

Amid a low roar of voices filled with fear and anger and panic, the calm voice of Alex Palmer shifted through the mass of emotions with an air of confidence that was quieting the voices.

“More people will be here within the hour. I saw a food truck pulling up just five minutes ago. An Emergency Response medical van is near that green FEMA tent. Counselors, church people, people from nearby cities are on their way to help. I’m part of an emergency management team of structural engineers who will help determine the safety of the remaining buildings and help establish the safest way to clear the destruction. You are not alone in this. You have help.” I moved closer and saw him raise a hand. “Before we answer your questions, let me pray.”

“Your God did this!” an infuriated voice rose from the middle of the crowd, and sudden murmuring began.

Alex’s voice was firm. “God is bringing you help. No one is forcing you to pray. Allow those who believe to get some comfort and hope.”

The murmuring quieted, and Alex prayed.