WEST, Tex. (BNc) by Mark Teske, GBN and editors — The Adair family are the owners of the fertilizer plant in West that exploded last night, and they are members of the church of Christ in West.
They were in Bible class when they learned of the fire, and were on their way to the location when it exploded.
Also, the preacher for the church in West, as well as other church members, are among those who lost their homes. Prayers are still needed.
Congregations that are assisting in relief efforts include
- the church in West (P.O. Box 246, West, TX 76691-0246; phone # 254-826-5252),
- the Westhill congregation in Corsicana (3400 W State Hwy 22, Corsicana, TX 75110-2434; phone # 903-872-5696) and
- the Lakeshore Drive congregation in Waco (2800 Lake Shore Dr., Waco, TX 76708-1010; phone # 254-753-1503).
Sam Dilbeck, the preacher for the Westhill congregation in Corsicana, tells us that the three greatest needs currently are blankets, bottled water and blood. Westhill is receiving blankets and bottled water and are taking them to West for distribution. Those who are in the area and have the ability to donate blood are encouraged to do so.
Ernie Christie, the preacher at Lakeshore Drive, has told me that the Lakeshore Drive congregation is collecting funds to be used to help those in West. Contributions for that purpose can be sent to Lakeshore Drive and should be marked “West Relief”. Lakeshore Drive also has a relief shelter set up at their building.
Already, churches are responding. The Stiversville congregation in southern-middle Tennessee has sent a financial contribution to assist them in this emergency situation, according to elder Larry Benderman. “We encourage others to do the same,” he said.
Mike Lewis, Associate Director of The Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort in Nashville, Tennessee said that a truckload of needed items is already on its way to the West congregation’s church building.
Suzanne Barker wrote in the comments:
My dad is an elder at West church of Christ and said that New Road church of Christ will be helping them handle the administration of the efforts that are coming their way. Alan Ritchie, an elder at New Road is overseeing this effort. His number is 254-366-2892. The address for the church is 3100 S New Rd Waco, TX 76706. I believe Lake Shore is going to be taking in the delivery of the truck from church of Christ Disaster Relief and helping distribute those items.
2013-04-18 at 11:34 am
Thanks for passing on the information. What a nightmare for that town. I am glad there are church members there with whom we can communicate, and through whom we can offer aid.
2013-04-18 at 11:44 am
Thanks, Randal. I have forwarded this to our members.
2013-04-18 at 12:49 pm
I am praying for the Adairs and for all involved in the tragic explosion in West, Texas. I can think of no better place for them to be, regardless of circumstance, than meeting with the saints and communing with them on the Word of God. I will forward this news to my friends in Christ.
2013-04-18 at 1:29 pm
Amen to what my brothers, Rick, Don and Alvin wrote. Thanks for informing us, Randal.
2013-04-18 at 1:55 pm
The church in DeLeon, TX is also collecting and will send a truck tomorrow with items needed. Plywood is needed to help board up the shattered windows. The response from the saints is enormous and contributions of money and support is pouring in. Pray for all involved and especially for the church in West.
2013-04-18 at 1:59 pm
Thank you Randall for the update. I have sent this information to the Elders at Newalla Church of Christ in Oklahoma and it will spread from there to other Oklahoma Churches of Christ.
2013-04-18 at 2:38 pm
God bless them.
2013-04-18 at 2:49 pm
I have heard that the West CofC has asked New Road Church of Christ in Waco to handle their relief efforts.
2013-04-18 at 3:02 pm
Thanks for the info.
2013-04-18 at 5:45 pm
My dad is an elder at West church of Chist and has said that New Road church of Christ will be helping them handle the administration of the efforts that are coming their way. Alan Ritchie, an elder at New Road is overseeing this effort. His number is 254-366-2892. The address for the church is 3100 S New Rd Waco, TX 76706. I believe Lake Shore is going to be taking in the delivery of the truck from church of Christ Disaster Relief and helping distribute those items.
2013-04-19 at 12:36 am
Hello our brethren, from Church of Christ in Mbuya, Kampala, Uganda East Africa; I can only say that we will lift you brethren at West C.O.C to God in prayer to provide you all that it takes to heal and return to normal life. The Adair family, God is with you in this time of need, commit everything to Him.
Moses Watson Akwenyu Okodu
2013-04-19 at 3:16 am
Dear Saints
We are praying for you here in Cape Town, South Africa. I have sent a mail to all our congregations asking them to add the church at West to their prayer list. Even though we are many miles apart know that your brethren are keeping you before the great God of heaven. May God’s comfort and healing be upon all those affected by this terrible incident. Our prayers and thouhts are with and for you at this time.
His servant,
Rohan Jones
Cape Town, South Africa
2013-04-20 at 2:57 am
How beautiful to know of the support coming in from the brethren. I pray for our hearts to keep trusting that God is still in control of the lives of all those affected. You are all in our prayers and thoughts.
2013-04-20 at 10:40 am
I extend the heart-felt sympathies of the church in Hilliard, Ohio to all our brethren affected by the explosion. It is our humble prayers that all will be well in a little while.
From your brother in Christ – Garreth L. Clair – April 20, 2013
2013-04-21 at 7:26 pm
Does anyone know if any Christians lost their lives in this disaster? We are praying in Indiana. Ted Mitchel
2013-04-21 at 7:40 pm
I know that no members from the church in West lost their lives. Beyond that, I’m unsure.
2013-04-21 at 11:06 pm
From the media we are told that 14 persons lost their lives.