EC Serves In Tornado Aftermath

On May 24, 2025, members of Encounter Church—including youth, leaders, and families—joined forces with others from the GMC to serve the community of Eli, Kentucky, a town recently impacted by a devastating tornado.

With debris scattered across hay fields and properties, recovery efforts required not only heavy lifting but willing hearts—and that’s exactly what EC showed up with.

From the youngest students to adult leaders, our team spent the Saturday afternoon clearing debris from large fields so that local farmers could safely harvest their hay. What may seem like a simple task was actually a critical step in helping the local economy and restoring a sense of normalcy to a community that had been deeply shaken.

This act of service wasn’t just about picking up sticks and broken pieces—it was a visible sign of what the church is called to be: the hands and feet of Jesus in moments of real need.

When storms hit—both literally and spiritually—people often feel forgotten or overwhelmed. But this outreach reminded everyone involved that no one stands alone when the church steps in. The people of Eli expressed deep gratitude for the support, and our volunteers returned home changed—reminded of the power of unity, compassion, and hard work.

At Encounter Church, we believe our faith must lead to action. Outreach isn’t just an event on the calendar—it’s part of our culture. Whether it’s serving meals locally, praying for neighbors, or clearing fields hours away, we go because Jesus sends.

We're so proud of our youth and adults who stepped out of their comfort zones and into a calling to love others well—no spotlight, no stage, just faithfulness in the field.

As our church continues to grow, may we always be known not just by what we say, but by how we serve.