After the Tornados: A Story of Rebuilding through L.O.V.E.

Debra Flowers was living in Talledega to be near family the day the tornadoes hit her home in Pleasant Grove. It was two weeks before she was able to reach anyone who could tell her the condition of her home, the home she had drawn the floor plan for as a teenager and the home she helped her parents build. Her heart sank when she heard a tree had fallen on it, causing major damage.

Debra's house after the tornado

Because of serious health problems, it was January before she was able to make it to Pleasant Grove and see the damage first hand. After working through some red tape, she was granted permission to live in her aged camper so she could be “home” during the repair process. 

Over the last several months, L.O.V.E. (Locally Organized Volunteer Effort) has helped rebuild Debra's home, aiming to have repairs completed in time for Thanksgiving.

Debra's house currently under construction

L.O.V.E. is a Birmingham-based non-profit organization that mobilizes groups from all over the country and from all denominational backgrounds to help rebuild homes damaged in the April 2011 tornadoes.  Debra says that all the ministry staff and volunteers who have come to help, along with her caseworker, have been "angels." She says, "It seems like Heaven opens and people come. I could never have imagined that people would come from all over to help me." 

While the staff and volunteers at L.O.V.E. are absolutely bearers of hope, they would also be the first to say that meeting people's physical needs is how they demonstrate the love and HOPE of Jesus. It is His hope that motivates them to offer hope to others. As 1 Peter 1:3 says, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to HIS GREAT MERCY, he has caused us to be born again to a LIVING HOPE through the resurrection of Jesus Christ." 

For videos and more information about L.O.V.E., visit their Facebook page under "L.O.V.E. (Locally Organized Volunteer Effort)" or visit http://love4pg.wordpress.com/.  You may also contact them by phone at (205) 744-5683 or via email at love4pg@gmail.com.