On May 16, 2025, a powerful EF-3 tornado tore through St. Louis, Missouri, and continued into Madison County, Illinois, reaching wind speeds of up to 152 mph and spanning 22.8 miles.[1] Widening to nearly a mile at its peak, the storm left catastrophic damage across the region — particularly in the predominantly low-income communities of North St. Louis. To date, five fatalities have been reported in St. Louis, and dozens more have been injured, with an estimated 5,000 buildings damaged.[2]

Working closely with Tyrone Douglas, Mid-America Union ACS director, NAD ACS has also held daily coordination calls since early June to facilitate funding for distribution sites. These calls will continue for the foreseeable future, ensuring that families’ needs are met without delay. 

Additionally, ADRA International’s timely financial assistance made it possible to purchase essential supplies. W. Derrick Lea, NAD ACS director, noted that while ADRA does not operate within NAD territory, its support “reflects the spirit of partnership between the global humanitarian arms of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, standing together in crisis.”

Earning Trust and Strengthening Local Partnerships

NAD ACS maintains a daily on-site presence at the St. Louis Emergency Operations Center, establishing a direct channel to Incident Command operations and the Mayor’s Office. This connection allows real-time updates and enables ACS to advocate more effectively for the needs of affected communities.

When some city officials initially expressed concerns about a faith-based organization overseeing warehousing efforts, NAD ACS highlighted successful disaster relief work in Florida and North Carolina. The team emphasized its commitment to serving all community members and meeting needs without promoting a religious agenda.

In advance of the upcoming General Conference session in St. Louis, the NAD ACS team is also coordinating with Busi Khumalo, world church youth director, who will lead Impact! St. Louis, a young adult community service initiative. Together, they are aligning efforts to meet local needs and reinforce the trust ACS has built with city officials. For instance, Impact! St. Louis volunteers will focus on neighborhood cleanup, with additional opportunities to assist at the three local churches serving as ACS distribution sites.

As recovery continues, NAD ACS will remain engaged in relief efforts across St. Louis.

“ACS remains steadfast in its mission to serve communities in Christ’s name. We will continue supporting recovery operations in St. Louis and stand ready to represent the Seventh-day Adventist Church with compassion, professionalism, and excellence,” concluded Lea.