By Pastor Leah Fintel Krotz, Trinity Lutheran Church, Bruning
The wind storm of August 10th, 2025 will be one of those events that will be remembered and talked of for years to come. Just as we say, “That was the year of the Deshler tornado (or Bruning tornado, or Hebron tornado) or “Remember the blizzard of 1976, when we lost power for three weeks?” people are unlikely to forget the wide-spread damage caused by this storm.
I was awake when it came through—and sent a tree planted by my grandparents 75 years ago crashing down onto our house and through our roof. The next morning, as I drove through the county on my way to Bruning to lead worship services, I saw devasting damage to pivots, grain bins, crops, trees, and power poles. My home church, Peace Lutheran in Deshler, lost the steeple that had beckoned over the treetops for my entire lifetime. We later learned of many people in the area who had extensive damage to their homes, buildings, and businesses.
Amid all of this destruction, we’re thankful no lives were lost, and also thankful to see the ways that neighbors, churches, and communities came together to help one another. Our communities have faced tough times before, and I believe we will come through this one too—stronger than ever.
As we observe the awesome power of nature, we can remember that the God who created it all is also the God who made each one of us—and knows us inside and out. When we put our trust in Jesus, we are adopted into God’s family. That means we are given unprecedented access to the king and creator of the universe, so that even in the storms of life, we can rest safely in his loving arms.
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” ~Psalm 91:1-2
