Home of Little Elam Pastor Damaged by Tornado in Suffolk

The home of Frank and Theresa Long was damaged by the tornado that hit Suffolk on Monday, April 28. Two cars were also damaged in the storm. The house was so damaged that the Longs have had to leave it and cannot return until officials give the okay. Most of the neighboring homes also suffered damage, some more severely, that required the families to relocate for now.

Frank, Theresa, and their daughter and grandson are safe. (Their son-in-law is away on military duty.) The family has moved in with Theresa’s sister in Virginia Beach while they await permission to return to their home. In addition to dealing with the insurance company, Frank will have to deal with inspectors and utility companies. Once they give permission to proceed, he can make repairs.

Little Elam Baptist Church has volunteers ready to help remove debris from the Long’s yard and begin repairs to the home when permitted. Contact Deacon Alvin "Pickle" Williams, 804-780-2438, to offer assistance to Little Elam in helping the Long family.

Frank and Theresa were at home at the time. They took shelter in a closet under the stairwell. After the storm passed, Deacon Percy Gregory felt moved to act. He purchased plastic and other materials and drove as far as authorities would allow. Then he carried the materials the remaining distance on foot. Percy made it to the house and helped Frank secure the building as they could (e.g., covering broken windows). Once done, Percy walked back to his car and drove home.

Frank says that, as bad as it was, it could have been much worse. Some neighbors lost everything. One youth experienced the terror of the storm alone. When rescued, the young man was terrified. Frank asked that we pray for his neighbors too.

Frank recently returned to his pastoral duties following surgery and a lengthy recovery. (See the March 2008 issue of the Dover Diary for more information.)

The home of at least one other Virginia Baptist pastor in Suffolk was severely damaged. The family of Jim George, pastor at Hillcrest Baptist Church there, has also had move out of their home. Please pray for the Long family and the George family as they travel through this difficult time.

Virginia Baptist Disaster Relief units have been placed on standby. Check www.vbmb.org for current information.

Churches and individuals wishing to make monetary donations to assist with the disaster response to the tornadoes may do so by sending them to the Virginia Baptist Mission Board. The VBMB can only accept monetary donations. Visit www.vbmb.org to donate by credit card, or make checks payable to "Virginia Baptist Mission Board" (with the designation "Disaster Relief" on the memo line) and send them to:

Disaster Relief

Virginia Baptist Resource Center

2828 Emerywood Parkway

Richmond, VA 23294