Hurricane Ike may not be considered a hurricane anymore, but it still packed a powerful punch as it ripped through Jeffersonville yesterday afternoon. Gale force winds tore down power lines, uprooted trees, ripped off roofs, and shut down power in southern Indiana and northern Kentucky.

The day started with sunny skies and a calm breeze. Sunday morning service at the Branham Tabernacle went on as usual. By then end of service, the wind was howling at about 40 mph. By 1:30 pm wind speeds topped 80 mph, sending debris flying and trees falling. Many roads soon became impassable with fallen trees or downed power lines, making road travel very dangerous. The storm lasted only a few hours, but the damage it caused was everywhere. Flying debris sliced power lines. Trees crushed cars and houses. Wind ripped off roofs and siding. Repair crews worked all night trying to restore power, but there are many homes still without power. The VGR building is still without power.

The Lord's protecting hand was on the Branham Tabernacle and VGR building, leaving them relatively unharmed by the storm. On the other hand, the VGR property received quite a bit of damage. About 50 large trees, including the giant hackberry just north of the building, were destroyed, and many more are damaged. Right now, the VGR property looks like a war zone with downed trees and tree limbs everywhere.

Employees reported for duty early this morning armed with chainsaws, pickup trucks, and trailers to start cleaning up the mess. However, first thing’s first: There are believers whose homes were damaged by the powerful winds and falling trees. Brother Joseph organized crews to go to believers' houses throughout Jeffersonville and surrounding communities, helping these brothers and sisters recover from the storm. We can only imagine the power of this storm when it made landfall in Texas. Those of you who were in its path are certainly in our prayers.

Regular business operations will be closed today and possibly for the next few days as we work to help our local brothers and sisters in need, and then clean up the VGR property.