COUNTING BLESSINGS: Larsens survive after tornado demolishes homestead
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Tornado sirens in Mount Ayr interrupted a pastoral church meeting on Friday, April 26, when John Larsen decided he should head home.
“I was in town at a preaching co-hort meeting,” said Larsen, “I got to P64 heading north, and I could see the tornado.”
John and his wife Debbie stood outside in the yard and watched if for roughly five minutes before it shifted direction.
“I believe God is sovern in all things,” John stated, “and it was interesting, it turned toward our house.”
While they were hunkered down in the safety of the basement, they heard a lot of noise, mostly popping and cracking.
“I really felt pretty safe,” John said, “The Lord took good care of us.”
Damage at the homestead of John and Debbie Larsen in Monroe Township just west of Hwy. P64, was surveyed the next morning after a tornado made a direct hit on Friday, April 26. Photo by: Debbie Larsen
When they made their way upstairs, they knew they wouldn’t be able to stay in their house any longer.
“It was a lot worse than it sounded,” John said.
Debbie was able to salvage most of her clothing as the closet was untouched. However, John’s clothing was strewn all over the yard, and he was most concerned about retrieving his under garments from the trees.
“It’s like putting all your stuff in a blender and spitting it back out,” remarked John.
They spent the rest of Friday night at their son’s house in Mount Ayr, and in the morning, brothers Dustin and Noah helped their parents begin clean up efforts.
“This really isn’t a tragedy, this is an inconvenience,” John said calmly, “You can really sense God’s grace in this.”
After staying with family and friends for a few days, they are now at the Mount Ayr Inn for the time being.
Large metal storage containers are currently housing any items they were able to salvage.
John and Debbie both expressed how thankful they are for the help and support they have received from the community.
“It’s unbelievable how much got cleaned up in a short amount of time,” John exclaimed.
Although the insurance adjuster declared their house and outbuildings a total loss, they will be able to recover.
No one was hurt, everyone lived to tell the tale, and they are grateful they can serve others for years to come.
John’s strong singing voice could be heard expressing his gratitude on Sunday, just two days after the storm.
One week later, he delivered the sermon he was preparing for Missio Church in Mount Ayr, as the storm arrived in Ringgold County on April 26.
