Benton County Disaster Report

On Sunday, May 26, disastrous storms, high winds, and tornadoes tore through Benton county in Northwest Arkansas. Both our churches in Rogers and Bentonville experienced damage. Those churches and communities are now dealing with the aftermath of this devastation. Both churches received checks for $5,000 from DPRS to help towards expenses. Here are brief updates from each of the churches followed by information on ways you can help.

From Georgia Senor, First, Bentonville:

We are so thankful that our church family survived with no bodily harm through the storms of May 26. However, the property damage to members’ homes and to the church is significant. At the church, our Fellowship Hall, youth room, Food Pantry storage room, and other spaces are currently unusable. Nonetheless, we served 276 people at our Food Pantry on June 1, with the helpful addition of hygiene kits delivered by PDA’s Duke Monroe. In worship on June 2 we gave thanks for the goodness we have seen and for the helpers, even as we asked for God’s continued help. The broader community of Benton County was hit hard, and we continue our prayers for all. 

From John Arnold, First, Rogers:

The storm caused significant damage, with many shingles lost, which allowed water to enter our library, entry, and sanctuary. Fortunately, the water damage was limited. However, our steeple sustained major structural damage, tilting precariously and posing a threat to the classrooms that house part of our preschool. As a result, we had to suspend worship services the day after the tornado and close our preschool for two days. Despite these challenges, blessings abound as we begin to recover.

By Tuesday morning, 35 dedicated volunteers had arrived and efficiently cleared away all tree and shingle debris. The Department of Human Services (DHS) has permitted us to relocate preschool classrooms to another section of the building, ensuring the safety of our children and staff. We have also managed to tarp the affected areas, keeping us dry and preventing further damage. We are now facing a significant financial challenge to meet our insurance deductible, but we have already begun to see God's blessings through the generosity of donors. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the members of First Presbyterian Church in Springdale, our early learning center staff, and disaster assistance teams at both the regional and national levels for their invaluable support.

While we still have a long way to go, our situation has stabilized. With our immediate needs addressed, we are now shifting our focus to the broader mission needs within our community. Thank you for your continued prayers and support.

Ways You Can Help:

Hygiene Kits were requested and  Duke Monroe drove up from Ferncliff with several hundred, but now, the Hygiene Kit supplies need to be replenished. Ferncliff now needs the following items to replenish their Hygiene kit stock:



• Hand towels measuring approximately 15" x 28" to 16" x 32" (no fingertip, bath, dish towel or micro-fiber)
• Washcloths
• Wide-tooth combs
• Must be sturdy with at least 6 inches of teeth
• No pocket combs or picks
• Rattail and combs without handles are acceptable
• Fingernail or toenail clippers
• Bath-size bars of soap in the original package
• Toothbrushes in the original package
• Standard size Band-Aids

If you or your church are looking for ways to help, you might consider collecting items for Hygiene Kits. Or, click the link below to learn about other ways to help our sister church in Rogers and Bentonville, as well as their communities.