The Pastor’s Piece – Pastor Kevin Cernek, FCFI Chaplain

FCFI
April 26, 2026

God is good all the time. We are deeply grateful that, despite the tornado that struck Lena, Illinois last Friday, there were no serious injuries or loss of life. While the damage was widespread and some homes were hit hard, lives were spared, and for that, we give thanks.
In the immediate aftermath, the response from the community was nothing short of remarkable. By Saturday, hundreds of people had come to Lena, rolling up their sleeves and getting to work. Families, friends, and strangers stood side by side, helping those affected. Some prepared and delivered brown bag lunches to workers. One of our own young ladies made lunches and included a Bible verse in each one as she handed them out. Others traveled from site to site offering water, snacks, and encouragement.
On Monday, the rescue organization Samaritan’s Purse arrived, and many joined in serving alongside them. In a Zoom call on Tuesday, they shared updates on their efforts. Their mission is clear: they turn down no request for help. Before beginning work at any home, they ask the homeowner if they can pray with them. Then they get to work. When the job is finished, they share the gospel of Jesus Christ before moving on. With disaster relief trailers ready to deploy within hours across the country, their purpose is to bring both practical help and spiritual hope. It is a blessing to partner with them.
Three years ago, our church teamed up with Fellowship of Christian Farmers International (FCFI) for disaster relief work in Kentucky and Tennessee. We spent days combing fields with ATVs and trailers, collecting twisted metal debris torn from roofs and buildings by violent storms. In Mayfield, Kentucky, we witnessed entire neighborhoods flattened – homes reduced to nothing but concrete foundations. At a candle factory, lives had been lost when the tornado struck. Even weeks later, cars remained scattered in the parking lot, some stacked on top of one another. It was a scene that left a lasting impression.
While Samaritan’s Purse focused on the town, FCFI worked in the surrounding countryside. Farms were devastated. Trees had fallen across fences, cattle were scattered, and barns and homes were destroyed. We spent our time cutting fallen trees, repairing fences, and building a shed for a rancher trying to recover.
A year later, we found ourselves doing similar work in Clarksville, Tennessee. Each day began early with a quick breakfast before heading out. The work was demanding and often overwhelming. Standing at the edge of an 80-acre field littered with debris, the task seemed impossible. But step by step, row by row, progress was made. By the end of each day, one section was restored. The next day brought a new challenge.
Just like in Lena last week, people came together as one. Food, water, and encouragement flowed freely. At the end of each day, there was exhaustion, but also a deep sense of purpose and hope. The message of Jesus was shared not only in words, but through action.
Destruction doesn’t only come through storms.
Recently, my wife and I stopped for gas. As I was figuring out the pump, a man approached me and asked if I could spare a few dollars. He appeared down on his luck – around 30 years old, missing several teeth, driving an older, worn-out truck. His mother sat waiting in the passenger seat.
“Sir,” he said, “can you spare a few dollars? My check didn’t go through.”
I didn’t ask questions. I reached for my wallet and realized I only had three dollars. I gave him what I had. He thanked me and used it to put less than a gallon of gas into his Toyota Tacoma. As he drove away, I felt a mix of emotions. I wondered if I should have done more. At the same time, I questioned his circumstances and wondered what life choices he’d made to end up where he was. Still, in that moment, I wondered if I shouldn’t have given more.
Later, back in town, we ran into a man we’ve known for a few years. He didn’t look well. When I asked how he was doing, he said, “Not well. My heart is only functioning at 16%. A month ago, the doctor told me I had 20 days to live.”
We stood there, taking in the weight of his words. I asked if I could pray for him. “Yes, please,” he said.
My wife and I each took one of his hands, and we prayed. We asked for healing, for peace, and for God’s presence to surround him. When we finished, tears streamed down his face. He thanked us repeatedly before we parted ways.
Storms may destroy homes, trees, and livelihoods. But life itself can bring its own kind of devastation. In every circumstance, people need kindness. And more than anything, we all need the Lord.
God is good – all the time.