Thursday A.M.

In the midst of incredible need in tornado-ravaged Chattanooga, we're also experiencing God's faithfulness in many ways. See below for a heartwarming story from a church that was severely damaged in one of the hardest hit areas. And go here to help Mercy Chefs continue to meet this critical need. --Gary

The need in Chattanooga in response to the massive EF-4 tornado continues to push our team to our limits.

As I shared with you, on Monday we started feeding homeless families who have been temporarily relocated to seven hotels in the region. They are often packed five or six to a room, and getting these Mercy Chefs meals is a highlight of their day.

On Tuesday, the need only increased. Once again, we blew past 4,000 meals -- 4,327 to be precise. That means your support has already helped us serve more than 25,000 meals to tornado victims and volunteers, not counting the meals we're serving today.

But the need is even greater than the number of meals we can serve.

So in looking for more ways to help, my team made arrangements to provide chicken for an additional 26,000 meals to be distributed in packages for families that have been impacted by the tornado but are still in their homes. 

Every day is a new step of faith to meet the needs that are in front of us. 

But the reality is, we'll serve another 4,000+ meals today and already we can see 4,000 meals tomorrow. All week.

The situation in Chattanooga is still very urgent. Will you help Mercy Chefs provide these hot meals and other critical relief to disaster victims and volunteers who need our help especially over the next 48 hours while we continue other vital efforts? Go here to make your tax-deductible gift:

+ + Amazing stories of God's faithfulness in the midst of tragedy

In one of the hardest hit neighborhoods we are serving in Chattanooga, Cornerstone Apostolic Church was extremely hard hit. Much of the structure of the church was reduced to rubble. Yet there in the midst of the destruction stood the church's cherished piano -- a gift from the original pastor that had enormous sentimental value to the church members. A few days ago, with emergency workers still carefully searching through homes and buildings in the community, one of the church members walked up and started playing the piano...

'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word...

Those nearby were drawn to the sound and began to join together in singing...

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I've proved Him o'er and o'er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!

I can't think of more fitting words for this time in our nation's history... for the good folks in Chattanooga who are still in the early stages of recovery from that devastating EF-4 tornado... and for the thousands of people across the country who are shut in by the coronavirus crisis. Through it all, we trust Him! And we can watch Him prove Himself over and over.

So often that "proof" comes through the hands of faithful friends who reach out with compassion to help a brother or sister in crisis. Thank you for being that faithful friend! Thank you for continuing to partner with Mercy Chefs as we feed body and soul and reach tens of thousands during this critical time in our nation's history.

God bless,

Gary LeBlanc, Mercy Chefs

P.S. We still need help over the next 48 hours in Chattanooga. Our teams are serving more than 4,000 meals every day and each meal is made possible by the generosity of friends like you. Thanks in advance for you help! Go here:

COVID RESPONSE UPDATE -- 30,000 meals last week. 1,000 more meals in Virginia daily this week. Go here for the latest photos and updates on our coronavirus crisis response.

Note: piano photo from video on Wendy Speer's Facebook page.