Plains states Brethren still dealing with destruction caused by tornadoes.

Families from Quinter (Kan.) Church of the Brethren were affected by tornadoes that hit near the town in May. While the town of Quinter was spared, 15 families living in the surrounding area suffered moderate to total loss, reported pastor Keith Funk.

"Moderate losses would include loss of barns and other buildings, farm equipment, fence, and damage to the home--loss of roof, windows, siding damage, etc. Total loss would include all of the above including the home residence," he said.

One couple in the congregation, Charles and Judy Easton, suffered total loss. However, the Eastons are working at putting their lives back together and moving forward, Funk reported. "Currently, they are staying with a member of our congregation, Margaret Lee Inloes, who has opened her home to them," he said. "They feel immensely blessed by the help and support they have received from the congregation and the surrounding community. They have blessed our congregation by their continued faithfulness and positive spirit in light of their very difficult circumstances."

Quinter church members Ross and Sharon Boone also suffered extensive damage to their farm and home, though their home was ultimately spared. Their losses include barns and buildings either totally lost or severely damaged, along with some of their equipment. "In all of this, Ross has been undergoing treatment for cancer. Yet both Ross and Sharon have witnessed to God's faithfulness in the midst of the storm," Funk said.

"The community and congregational help and giving has been an inspiration in all of this," the pastor added. "Though this has been a traumatic time in the life of our community, we have also witnessed the evidence of God's goodness and grace in the lives of those affected by the storms and in those responding to their neighbors in need."

Source: 6/20/2008 Newsline Extra