Tornado destroys Dallas businesses, homes but spares lives
A powerful tornado does sporadic yet intense damage in Dallas, Texas; Casey Stegall reports from the scene.
A Dallas church had its roof torn off and much of the building was destroyed after a tornado ripped through the area Sunday, but the cross stood -- a symbol of hope for the community amidst loss.
Shea Sumlin, the lead pastor of Northway Church in Northwest Dallas, posted a photo of the miraculous cross still upright and the image quickly went viral.
GEORGIA POLICE SAVE SUICIDAL FATHER IN DRAMATIC BODYCAM FOOTAGE: ‘DROP THE KNIFE…YOUR SON NEEDS YOU’
"For me and for our church, it's a symbolic source of encouragement," Sumlin told Fox News. "Christ and His cross is what still stands for us."
While Northway Church had its roof torn off and much of the building was destroyed after Sunday's F-3 tornado, a wooden cross stood, seen as a symbol of hope for the community. (Courtesy of Shea Sumlin)
The pastor said the cross was made by a member when they launched the campus 10 years ago.
"Here an F-3 tornado ripped off our roof...yet here's this wooden cross, that I have no idea how it didn't get picked up," he said. "Even though our building is broken, our body is as whole and alive as we've ever been because of the hope of Jesus Christ."
CHINESE AUTHORITIES RAIDED CHURCH, FORCIBLY REMOVED MEMBERS, MOMENTS BEFORE DEMOLITION
The Northway pastor says it's a reminder of Matthew 16 in the Bible, when Jesus tells Peter and other disciples that His church will be built on a rock that not even hell can destroy it.
People pray outside Northway Church in Dallas, Texas after a tornado ripped through the community. (Courtesy of Shea Sumlin)
"It's a beautiful reminder that Christ is still present in the midst of this suffering and chaos," Sumlin added.
Wednesday night the church is hosting a community meal for the entire area of Northwest Dallas with thousands of free meals donated by food vendors.
PAULA WHITE ON HOW SHE BECAME TRUMP'S SPIRITUAL ADVISER AND WHY HE'LL CARRY EVANGELICAL VOTE IN 2020
Then, Thursday night, they will be hosting a prayer service at another church, the first time they've been together since Sunday's tornado tore through the community.
And on Sunday another church, Watermark Community Church, has offered their building so Northway can host a 5 p.m. service.
CLICK HERE FOR THE ALL-NEW FOXBUSINESS.COM
"Our focus as a church -- we've got good insurance, our church building will be rebuilt -- that's allowed our entire effort to be on rebuilding the community, both on members and people who have no connection to us....Just help clean up the community," Sumlin said. "Serve everybody that got damaged."
Fox News First
Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.