Florida

Storm Victims Rely on Faith to Rebuild Lives

By Wendy Griffith
CBN News

February 9, 2007

CWNews.com – LADY MACK, FLA. - How do you pick up the pieces after a tornado claims not only your home, but your husband and child?

Rebecca Nolan of Lake Mack, Fla is trying to figure that out. She was knocked out when the tornado tore through her mobile home. When she woke, she had a broken collar bone and a deep cut under her eye and bruises on her body. Her husband and 7-year-old son were found about 50 yards away. They didn't make it.

"When they found him, my husband had my little boy and they were all cuddled up and my little boy had a smile," she said. "I think he's happy cause his daddy had him and he felt safe and he got to see Jesus," she said.

Miraculously, Rebecca's 11-year-old son Edwin survived without a scratch. "He was walked out by angels, by the hand of Jesus," she said.

The tornadoes that swept through Lake Mack, with winds up to 160 mph were unforgiving. There were no survivors in the house across the street from Rebecca. Only the porch remained. Rebecca says it's only her faith in Christ that's keeping her strong.

"Jesus is helping me," she said.

When Operation Blessing found out about Rebecca's tragic loss, they and other Emergency Response Teams moved into action, clearing Rebecca's property of debris so another home, a temporary shelter, can be set up here for her and her son who survived.

"You guys are angels," Rebecca said. "Helping and clearing and hugging me. I need hugs."

Rebecca says when she gets back on her feet, she wants to become a volunteer like those who are helping her now in her time of need."

Check your local listings for tomorrow's Newswatch for more on how Operation Blessing is helping storm victims rebuild their lives.

If you would like to help meet the needs of Florida's tornado victims, you can call 1-800-759-0700, or write to:
DISASTER RELIEF
CBN Center
Virginia Beach, Va. 23463.

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