Snow and ice storm of 2014

3 to 4 inches of ice and snow this
power out all over the state for two weeks

This week our state had 4 days of ice and snow. Our states power grid was extremely damaged by ice and falling trees. Thousands and Thousands without power. We were involved in a massive rescue effort across two counties through our work. Many were transported to shelters and warming stations in both counties. At one point we took into our home a older church member who is in diminished health. Our intent was to let her stay with us until her heat came back on. Praise God her power came on that night. She and her dog were able to get back home that very same day. I cant count how many people were taken to shelters and warming stations over those days. in one case a community carer home lost power and all of the residents had to be relocated to other facilities that had power. Despite many many organizations efforts, one homeless man was found dead in an abandoned house in downtown Sumter. The coroner says he died from freezing. As I write this today I am struck with how that man felt...Alone in the dark, in an abandoned house with no windows, holes in the roof, wind blowing,  ice and snow falling, no coat even......What were his thoughts? How did he get to this place in life, how could he be overlooked, missed ? I wanted to write this story to bring to light just how easy it is to not see what you are looking at sometimes. I would encourage everyone to prayerfully see your surroundings and to be ever vigilant to those who might be in need, they may even be seated in the pew right next to you.