Devastating St. Louis Tornado

Dear Friend, 

As I walked through the devastation caused by the EF3 tornado that struck St. Louis on May 16, I witnessed firsthand the heartbreak—and the incredible faith—of our neighbors who lost everything.

One of the first stories I heard was about Miss Pat, a beloved servant of the poor who spent her days making sack lunches for the homeless in the Fountain Park neighborhood. On the day of the storm, she was inside Centennial Christian Church preparing meals when the tornado struck. The powerful winds brought down the bell tower and collapsed the church roof, trapping and killing Miss Pat and two others. She died serving the hungry and homeless. 

Centennial Christian Church damaged in the tornado,

Across the street, I met Judy Simmons, who is now homeless after losing nearly all she owned. As we talked, I realized that in honoring Miss Pat’s legacy, we must also rise to meet the urgent needs of those like Judy—our neighbors now living without shelter, food, or hope. 

Judy Simmons in front of her damaged house.

Next door lives Lea Davis. As I walked with her and her young nephew, Cruse, he looked up at the destruction around him and asked, “What happened to all these houses?” 

Cruse in front of a large tree down.

Further down the block, I met the Clinton-Potts family, who are still living on the first floor of their damaged home, trying to figure out how to remove the massive tree that crashed into their roof—without causing even more destruction. 

Clinton-Potts Family in front of their house, damaged by the tornado.

These families have lost so much. Yet through it all, I was amazed by their strength, faith, and determination. As I prayed with them, I knew that New Life Evangelistic Center must step forward, boldly and faithfully, to provide help—and hope. 

We need your help right now. 

Even before the devastating St. Louis tornado, New Life Evangelistic Center was providing food, water, and emergency supplies to a record number of homeless individuals. Now, the need is even more urgent. 

In the wake of Miss Pat’s passing, we must continue her mission. We are preparing and delivering hundreds of meals each day to the homeless, but we cannot do it without your help. 

Please send your most generous gift today — $100, $50, $250, $500, or whatever you can give. 

Help Now!

Your donation will provide essential supplies, meals, and support to people affected by the devastating tornado who are in desperate need. You can also help by volunteering and keeping NLEC in your daily prayers. 

With over 5,000 homes damaged or destroyed, mostly in one of the poorest areas of St. Louis, the need can feel overwhelming. But we remember how Jesus fed the 5,000 with just a few loaves and fish. I believe He can multiply your gift today to bring healing and hope to our city. 

Thank you for standing with us in this time of great need. 

Yours in Christ,  

Larry Rice

New Life Evangelistic Center 

P.S. Your gift today will help us feed and care for the men, women, and children who are suffering in the wake of this disaster. With your help, New Life can continue to be there—just as Miss Pat was—for the “least of these.” Please give today.