BRINGING UP BATES’ Lawson Bates on the Ground to Help with ‘Catastrophic’ Tornado Damage

Published: December 14, 2021

BRINGING UP BATES’ Lawson Bates on the Ground to Help with ‘Catastrophic’ Tornado Damage

By Movieguide® Contributor

Rescuers are continuing to search for survivors after an unprecedented tornado system tore through the Southeast. Kentucky was hit the hardest, with President Joseph Biden declaring the situation a major disaster.

BRINGING UP BATES’ Lawson Bates is on the ground in Kentucky to help with relief effort.

“We’ve been on the ground since dawn in Western Kentucky with a relief crew and equipment after a horrific line of tornados ripped through the region tragically taking the lives of many and leaving a path of catastrophic damage,” Bates said in a video posted to Instagram. “Please pray for the families of lives lost, and the tens of thousands who continue to be affected by this disaster.”

Sixty-four people are confirmed dead, according to Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, with 105 people unaccounted for and 70 believed dead.

“With this amount of damage and rubble, it will be a week or even more before we have a final count on the number of lost lives,” he said.

The series of tornadoes moved through several states last weekend, leaving mass destruction in their wake. Factories, houses, and nursing homes were among some of the destroyed property.

“The devastation is unreal,” Bates said in his video, showing viewers just a glimpse of some of the damage.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lawson Bates (@lawbates)

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas visited Western Kentucky and said, “The pictures don’t do the travesty justice. There’s nothing like seeing it up close and personal. It was nothing but rubble.”

Mayorkas also said that survivors are being provided with food, water, and clothing, and will be reimbursed for temporary housing.

Biden’s major disaster declaration sent more than 300 National Guardsmen to Kentucky to assist those affected by the storms.

“This is the deadliest tornado event we have ever had,” Beshear said, apologizing to those who still don’t know if family members survived. “You’re not supposed to lose people like this, and to not know and not have the information has got to make it that much harder.”

While many towns were completely destroyed, plans are already underway to rebuild communities, according to Michael Dossett, the director of the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management.

Beshear echoed that sentiment, saying, “We will keep putting one foot in front of another and push through this,” Beshear said. “We’re not going anywhere, we’re going to be with you today, we’re going to be with you tomorrow and we’re going to be with you to rebuild.”

Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.