Scores of people died in our region when dozens of tornadoes struck about six months ago, on April 27. The property damage from the fierce storms was massive as well.
But commendably, the people of Chattanooga and the surrounding area united to comfort those who had lost loved ones, as well as to help those who had lost homes and other possessions. Many charitable organizations and individuals sacrificially gave to assist people in need.
We were amazed, however, by a recent report of the work of one small local church. The Origin Church was founded just two years ago. Though the congregation meets at the Hamilton Family YMCA, most of its core members are from the Ringgold, Ga., area, which was hit hard by the tornadoes.
Recently, the Origin Church -- aided by a Virginia ministry called Gleaning for the World -- distributed $110,000 worth of goods in Ringgold to those who were affected by the tornadoes.
The dozens of pallets of supplies included everything from blankets to toiletries.
"We wanted to give back to our neighbors," youth leader T.J. Gephart told the Times Free Press. "This isn't something you expect from a small church, but we've been blessed."
Undoubtedly, many grateful residents of our area are blessed by this small but hard-working church's efforts.