Marv and Tanell Need Your Help!

As the 100 km/h winds howled through Southern Alberta on Tuesday, we heard more and more stories of fires, evacuations, train derailments, and trucks blown off the highways. These events were hauntingly familiar to us as we have seen news of hurricanes, fires, floods, and earthquakes. Things seemed to be getting scarier and closer.

At 6:45 pm things came very close to home, actually in our home. A large branch from a pine tree in the backyard broke off and fell down on our home in Lethbridge. The branch rammed itself  at about a 45 degree angle, hit between the two trusses, and penetrated the roof and the ceiling in our bedroom. About 3 feet of the tree was inside our house. Tanell, who was resting on the bed after a tiring day, was awakened as the whole house cracked and shook. It smelled a little like Christmas but definitely not as jolly.

The last few days have been spent trying to assess the situation, making preliminary repairs and taking stock. The contractor, here on Wednesday patching the holes, referred to this as an "Act of God", in insurance language, something that was not caused by human action. The goal is to bring things back to the way they were before the event.

To us, an "Act of God" is a little different. This was really an Act of God. If God, who is all knowing and loving did this (and we think that He did) why would we try to undo what he has done? God acted, now we need to listen.


Who We Are:
Marv and Tanell Wirzba of Lethbridge, Alberta


What We Need:
Many of you who heard about our story have expressed love and concern for us and have offered your assistance. Your care is very much appreciated. Here is how you can help us if you are sensing the need to do so.

1. Financially. Although insurance will cover some of our cost, there will be significant expenses that are more than what we can afford. We don't know the exact costs but we have some preliminary estimates. Our insurance deductible is $1500, the cost of removing and trimming trees is about $5000, and the roof repairs are around $3500.

2. Prayer. Many of you have offered your prayers already and they are appreciated. Your continued prayers for direction and assistance to us is helpful. We believe God is acting and we need to be listening. Be willing to hear from God and share with us and with others what God is saying.

3. Care. Although we do not claim to know all that God is saying through this and other recent events, it is clear that we are to respond in love and compassion to those in need around us. Please reach out to those who are in need in the places you are and from the gracious abundance that God has given to all of us.