As many of you know, Steve and Debbie Stark lost their home on the morning of March 17 due to a fire caused by lightening. Since that morning, there has been an outpouring of love and offers of help for which Steve and Debbie are deeply grateful.  As a way to channel the generous offers of support and help them gain some traction here at the beginning of this incredible loss, we’ve created this account. 

Early Wednesday morning, Steve left for work, and Debbie sat at their counter enjoying her cup of tea as a storm raged outside. She heard the rain and wind and what she thought was hail. She heard loud crashes of thunder and lightening and even noticed what she believed to be thick fog out their back windows. Fog often covers the lake just below their house, but she did note how odd it was for it to be so thick so far up the hill. No burning smell was in the air, so their was no hint of it being anything other than dense fog. 

Shortly after, Debbie walked back to their bedroom to get dressed for the day when she saw flames lapping outside her bedroom windows. It all came together clearly then, and relieved she was able to get out the front of the house, she raced outside to call for help. Within a matter of minutes from that point, the house was engulfed. Steve and Debbie’s son Brian, a firefighter himself, later noted that the fire was able to ravage the house so rapidly because of how hot it burned.

As a family, we are processing these events together, and are seeing the ways that God’s presence was evident amid the tragedy. 

• Both Steve and Debbie are alive and uninjured. 
• No one else was in the house even though it was spring break for some of their grandchildren, and they could have easily had sleeping kiddos downstairs.
• Debbie didn’t attempt to gather belongings before fleeing, and had she, with the veracity of the fire, she could have been trapped. 
• Steve and Debbie got to experience the kindness and generosity of their neighbors as they watched their house burn. 
• Finally, as we all grieve the loss of a house that held so many memories, we give thanks for the time we did have there and for the security and warmth it provided for so many years. 
  

Even in this hardship, their is light in the darkness. For these things, we are grateful. 

“I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, and on Your wondrous works. Men shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts, and I will declare Your greatness. They shall utter the memory of Your great goodness, and shall sing of Your righteousness.” Psalm 145:5-7

Steve and Debbie have much to navigate on the road ahead. They’ve secured housing for now, and thankfully, their homeowner’s policy  will be a financial support for much of their lost property. But here at the beginning of such immense loss and all of the extra expenses that incur from it, we thought this a way to provide some immediate relief, as well as a direct and simple way for those of you who have reached out to help.

Steve and Debbie have been so moved by the love and support they’ve already experienced through their neighbors, community, church, friends and family. They covet your prayers above all else as they navigate the myriad of details, tasks, and emotions that are now demanded of them. 

In an effort to glimpse the tapestry of God’s provision through his people, if you feel led, please leave a comment letting us know through which branch of community, family or friends you found your way to their story. 

“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” Psalm 27:13

https://www.ozarksfirst.com/local-news/local-news-local-news/kimberling-city-home-burns-down-after-being-struck-by-lightning/?utm_campaign=socialflow&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=facebook.com&fbclid=IwAR1hlgQa06MMEkCrbxBhEJ8iwWABkOmhUWQHGxahtMA0A7RaOeY8vodwMlw