When the Storm Hit: A Call to Community, A Call to Action
On Friday, May 16, 2025, what many assumed was a severe thunderstorm revealed itself to be something far worse: an EF3 tornado that tore through the city of St. Louis. The destruction left in its path spanned more than 20 miles and claimed five lives: Juan Baltazar, Deloris Holmes, Rena Lyles, Patricia Ann Penelton, and Larry Patrick. Their loss is felt deeply, and the impact on the community will be lasting.
Despite a successful alarm test just the day before, many residents were left without warning. Sirens failed to sound, leaving countless people unable to take shelter in time. In total, the tornado system that swept through Missouri and Kentucky over the weekend took the lives of at least 27 people and injured dozens more, just two months after a March tornado outbreak across eight states claimed at least 42 lives, many in Missouri and Mississippi.
In the aftermath, a brutal truth has emerged: for communities already struggling with poverty and systemic inequities, the disasters don’t end when the storm passes. The question remains: Where do we go from here?
Amid the destruction, the spirit of community shone brightly. In the hours following the storm, neighbors self-deployed to rescue those trapped in cars and homes. Power lines dangled across roads and yards, and much of the city remained in darkness. But by sunrise on Saturday, hope emerged with it. Volunteers arrived by the carload, bringing food, water, shovels, trash bags, and open arms. The work of healing and of Jesus had begun.
By Saturday afternoon, makeshift supply and food stations stood on nearly every corner. Grills smoked in truck beds. Music played from Bluetooth speakers. People hugged, laughed, and cried together. Despite the chaos, there was joy. There was unity. Elders in senior housing received deliveries. Volunteers went door to door. Major hubs formed across affected neighborhoods, with the largest coordinated by Action St. Louis and For The Culture at the O’Fallon Park YMCA.
This is what community looks like.
Sunday brought even more hands and more help. Social media became the coordination center for sharing urgent needs. Chainsaws cleared trees. Generators were donated. Charging stations popped up on sidewalks. Volunteers, even those who returned to work Monday, continued bringing donations each evening.
This is what it means to follow Jesus.
As the immediate crisis fades from headlines, we must remember: the work is far from over. The cleanup will continue long after the crowds disperse. If you're asking what you can do, start here: support the organizations that remain long after the cameras are gone.
One such organization is Action St. Louis, which has long been committed to supporting the most disenfranchised in our city, particularly in North City, St. Louis. Their work, and the work of so many others, deserves our continued support.
This is a call to action.
If you are able, volunteer. Donate. Spread the word. Show up. Let us do the work of Jesus, show the love of Jesus, and hold our neighbors in the name of Jesus.
-AhSa-Ti Nu Tyehimba-Ford