When turbulent winds sent a tree trunk sweeping across Sheila White's backyard Aug. 11, she could only watch from her window and pray.
The wind howled deafeningly through her Gary, Indiana, neighborhood, where her family has lived for five generations. As the storm picked up, trees began crashing into homes, including White's, where one punched a hole through her bedroom roof, cutting off electricity. One neighbor even had to cut their way out of their home after a fallen tree blocked the exit, White said.
Weeks later, the aftermath of the storm is still visible in her neighborhood — in fallen trees, damaged homes of neighbors and friends and the work left behind. White’s home has been without power ever since.
Four Texans on Mission teams, consisting of 100 volunteers, traveled to northwest Indiana and the Chicago suburbs in response to the devastation from this powerful storm and lingering damage caused by previous storms that barraged the Midwest in July.
Volunteers are serving homeowners in communities using chainsaws, skid steers and more to remove fallen and damaged trees from homes and properties like White’s. The work is helping residents address some of the most immediate and costly effects of the storm while volunteers also spread Christ's love.
“Since Texans on Mission got here, they have been a tremendous help,” White said. “They are the most caring people out here. I've watched them take care to remove trees off our homes safely, and you can't ask for more than that.”
East of Gary in Glenwood, Illinois, the storm had also left ruin and debris in the neighborhood of survivors Lawrence and Lynette Wilson.
The tornado came quickly and fiercely — over in a matter of seconds. But what remained after, was an otherworldly scene, Lawrence said.
“Trees were everywhere,” he said. “I've never seen anything like it all my life.”
The destruction was overwhelming, but the Wilsons said they weren't left to face it alone.
“I thank God for y’all, the people that came and helped us,” Lynette said.
When Lawrence first came across TXM, he was surprised to learn the cleanup services came at no cost. All he had to do was sign up to receive the help he and Lynette needed.
Nearby in Lynwood, Illinois, Randall and Theresa Thomas faced a similar reckoning. Their home sustained serious damage in the storm, and Theresa said their insurance covered only a fraction of the repair costs. As they tried to bridge the gap and get their home repaired, they welcomed TXM’s help removing trees and debris from their yard.
“Texas on Mission has been truly a godsend — literally a prayer answered,” Theresa said. “We tried everything to get this work done, and this is what helped more than anything to restore our home.”
Volunteers have been similarly thrilled to lift financial burdens off the shoulders of homeowners.
“It's been humbling to us, the gratitude that has been shown to us,” said volunteer Bud Earls. “We've been through several projects where their quotes had been nearly $20,000, and we came in and did it for free.”
Konnie Peacock, another volunteer, said she loves to see the smiles on peoples’ faces when TXM shows up at their door, ready to help free of charge.
“For some families, that tree work is very expensive, and we do it for free,” Peacock said. “It gives us a foothold to share the Gospel and share His love.”
As a result of volunteers sharing God’s message of hope, six people have already been brought to Christ, Earls said.
Through the terror of the storm and the heaviness of its aftermath, White has remained trusting in Christ and grateful He carried her through unscathed. She knows the recovery will take time. But as Texans on Mission volunteers continue working in her neighborhood, she said their presence has been a reminder of peace and hope.
“We are not in control, and when disasters hit, we need to be patient,” White said. “The volunteers can't stay forever. But while they're here, we are able to have some relief.”
Be part of their recovery
Our volunteers can't do this alone. Every chainsaw, every skid steer, every mile traveled to reach these communities is made possible by people who give.
Your gift helps fund the equipment, fuel and support that let volunteer teams show up — and keep showing up — for families with nowhere else to turn. Give now to help Texans on Mission bring relief, restoration and the love of Christ to disaster survivors across Indiana and Illinois.