On behalf of the entire Fargo/Moorhead metropolitan area, let me just say that we’re all absolutely exhausted. As my good Scandinavian neighbors would say: O for tired!
Many of you are asking for the latest news. Here are some answers, short and sweet as they are, that I trust will help:
First, my family and are fine but weary. A week and a half ago we were rather convinced–as was the whole city–that we would lose a lot of our home. Thankfully, the river crested about two feet below what was predicted, which meant we got away with some water in our basement, but even that was minor compared to many people. Had it reached the prediction, we would have lost our basement and the main level of our home. Amazingly, and unlike many of our neighbors, we had electricity the whole time. We are thankful for God’s grace in this regard.
Secondly, we could not be more proud about being in this area. I’ve never seen people like this in my entire life. I could go on for hours talking about the simple ways that perfect strangers showed Christ’s love; many of them not even knowing Christ. How utterly convicting. Would that every community around the world were like this.
Thirdly, and with that in mind, we are obviously intent on remaining here. I’m amazed at the well-meaning questions we get. “You’re not going back to Dallas are you?” And they are serious! I suppose it makes sense. We still have a house in Dallas that has not yet sold (anyone want a nice winter home?). I guess folk think that after the blizzards and now this flood that we’d be crazy to not want to return to the supposed safety of Dallas. Of course, there is this little thing called “God’s Call”. We’re here because the Master brought us here. It is inconceivable to be anywhere else. Indeed, my dear friend and assistant while I was in Dallas these many years sent me an email the other day with a sweet quip that asked, “Are you ready to come home yet?” Make no mistake: we are home.
Lastly, for now, is the fact that it’s not over! Right now the river rests at around 32 feet high. It has been going down for several days, and a merciful period of cool days is greatly helping. However, this coming weekend it is going to rise again, and the predictions have it going as high if not higher than the crest several days ago. You should know that just thinking about that makes all of us bone-weary. Really, really weary. Please–I beg you–pray!
In the meantime we have no doubt that God has shown great mercy to us all. And the opportunities to be the hands and feet of Jesus, nail-prints and all, are boundless.
Yes . . . we’re really tired. But God is not, and He is good.
Praying for you and your family and the community! Thanks for keeping us posted on the latest developments!
Oh my. Well, I for one, CERTAINLY would be ecstatic if you came back to Dallas, lol, but I know you better than that. The St. John’s follow the wind of the Spirit’s voice not the weather. Dallas may be comfortable climate-wise, but we are needing some help in the area of community. That alone makes ME want to move there. But alas, I must stay unless the Spirit leads…gotta job open in kids’ ministry?
Just kidding. Anyway, so thankful that you all are safe and well, and we’re praying for restoration, rejuvenation and recovery very, very soon.
Good to hear you and the fam are doing well.
Bro. St. John, you don’t know me and I don’t know you other than reading your blog, but I just wanted to let you know that I and my family will continue to remember you and your community in our prayers.