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LAYTON — The gears of government disaster relief often turn slowly, and so pastors from a Utah church have trekked to Oklahoma.
Pastor Myke Crowder has seen the destruction of tornadoes. Two years ago, he travelled to Joplin, MO, to give aid to those whose homes were destroyed by tornadoes. Friday, he arrived home after giving $8,000 to victims of the tornadoes in Moore, OK.
The money was donated by people throughout the state of Utah.
"One-hundred percent of their money has gone to victims," Crowder said. "Thank you so much for it. They've made a difference in these people's lives."
Crowder and his son, Chris Crowder, handed out $500 to 16 individuals who lost homes in the storms. The money was raised over the last few weeks, and meant to help with costs government and disaster aid do not cover, insurance premiums, repair cars, among other immediate needs. They wanted to raise and donate money because there was nowhere to put food or clothing.
He said the victims he spoke with all had heartbreaking stories. One man named Ken Bush, Crowder said, cowered inside Plaza Towers Elementary School with his daughter as the tornado tore it apart.
"Everything was swirling …I was conscious of the fact," Bush told Crowder. "And I kept saying, ‘God, please give me the strength that if I feel myself being lifted that I'll let go of my daughter and not drag her off with me.'"
