31 Years of Loving Commitment - For God's Glory

Today is Tom and Sherry's wedding anniversary.  Read the beautiful tribute Emily posted reflecting on her parents' love and commitment to one another and expressing her gratefulness to the Lord for their thirty-one years of marriage.   BarnhouseNews.blogspot.com

Happy Birthday to Jordan and Joshua Lee

Men of God, Like Their Father

Monday, May 30th, Jordan and Joshua Lee celebrated their birthdays.  What a blessing they are to their mom and siblings!  What a reflection they are of their dad's love for his Savior!  Read more about Sherry's account of the day on the Lee family blog: BarnhouseNews.blogspot.com

Update From the Lee Family

Posted this evening on Sherry's Blog:  BarnhouseNews.blogspot.com

"On mine arm shall they trust." ~ Isaiah 51:5

It's early morning here, and the blanket of dew still rests on the freshly mowed field in front of our temporary home. And dear friends, we want you to know that just as God sends the dew to refresh the earth, He gives peace and rest to his children during seasons of uncertainty and difficulty. Though we cannot explain His peace that is beyond our understanding, we have truly experienced it.

How can we fear or have doubts when underneath us are the everlasting arms? Our full confidence is in Him, and we give glory to Him. "On mine arm shall they trust." Isaiah 51:5. When the world as we know it crumbles about us, we truly find that our God is worth tens of thousands of worlds to us, and our souls are driven to Him and Him alone! I'm paraphrasing some of what I read in a devotional by Charles Spurgeon.

"Be strong and very courageous, and the Lord thy God shall certainly, as surely as He built the heavens and the earth, glorify Himself in thy weakness, and magnify His might in the midst of thy distress." by Charles Spurgeon.
.................................................................................................................................................................
The above was written in the early morning hours, and we just wanted to share some of our thoughts, and we wanted to give you an update. It's now Sunday evening, and this is really the first opportunity we've had, alone as a family, to share our thoughts and memories of the evening of the storm and its aftermath. We hope to record our perspectives of that evening and write a post very soon. I know that many of you might not wish to hear it, but I hope you will be patient with us. This blog will be sort of like a journal for us by the end of the year, and we thought it might be a good thing to put our memories of this time in writing. We do hope to eventually get back to farming, but this is also a part of our past, present, and it influences our future.

Tears were shed tonight, but the tears were not bitter tears. Our memories were of happy times, and we all felt keenly aware of how blessed we are to have had such a faithful and loving husband/father who pointed us to the Savior he loved so dearly. I think the suddenness of it all does leave us wishing we could have said our goodbyes, but someday goodbyes will not be necessary at all! And I'd love to be able to tell him again how much I loved and respected him, but I can't. I guess that's why I'm telling you...maybe you can tell your husband, your child, your parent, your father or mother-in-law, or your friend...again...and again...and again. And he wouldn't want me to portray him as a perfect man; he was very aware of his need of a Savior, of His grace, and of His mercies which are new every morning. And lastly, I realize his life wasn't *cut short*. I believe he lived the exact number of days appointed him, and I rejoice in that. It doesn't make me/us miss him less, but I/we do rejoice for him. "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21

On a different note, Tiffiny, Emily, and Jacob are improving! Emily is walking some without her walker:) She mainly needs it in case her knees buckle. They are working on strengthening the muscles above her knees. Tiffiny went back to physical therapy on Thursday, and they had her walk around the room twice. Her blood work has also been good each week. Jacob can now lift his eye brows, completely close one eye, and half way close the other eye! Thank you for your continued prayers, acts of kindness, and concern. We appreciate each and every one of you, and many of you we've never even met!

Good night, and God bless you all:)


"On mine arm shall they trust." Isaiah 51:5 --- May it be so. Amen.

Blessings,

Sherry
for the family

Tuesday night, May 24th, in Brentwood, TN at Fellowship Bible Church, a benefit concert was held by artists Brandon Heath, Christ August, Kari Jobe, and Jason Ingram. It was a wonderful concert, very honoring to the Lord and to the Lee family. David Nassar spoke and was very gracious as he told the Lee's story. The title of the concert was '"Love Your Neighbor" and each year Brandon Heath and Jason Ingram do a "Love Your Neighbor" concert to benefit those involved in a disaster. They said that they wait for the Lord's timing on what the concert is to be for and this year when the tornadoes came, they felt that was it. Another part of the body of Christ came together in prayer and support.

The Railroad House - A Place to Meet with the Lord

A Place of Retreat 

retreat

RETRE'AT, n. [L. retractus, retraho; re and traho.]

1. The act of retiring; a withdrawing of one's self from any place.

2. Retirement; state of privacy or seclusion from noise, bustle or company.

3. Place of retirement or privacy.

4. Place of safety or security.

5. In military affairs, the retiring of an army or body of men from the face of an enemy or from any ground occupied to a greater distance from the enemy, or from an advanced position. A retreat is properly an orderly march, in which circumstance it differs from a flight.

 - Noah Webster's Dictionary 1828

Many of us over the years have had opportunity to spend time in the Railroad House; or as we always affectionately refer to it, the Welch Family Retreat Center.  It is known by many as a special place where we have been able to "get away" and meet with the Lord.  You know if you stayed there for even one night that this home holds very special memories.  It is a hallowed place of retreat, respite, refreshment, and renewal.

Thank you, Welch family and Bible Teaching Ministries, for keeping this special place available to all who are seeking a place to pray, study God's Word, listen to His still small voice, or meet with His people. Thank you to the Lee family for your years of service in welcoming and blessing those who stayed within its walls.  Thank you to the Lord for His Faithfulness and Grace to use these families and this facility to minister to so many of us.  

Shoal Creek Valley Sunset

June 2009

The view from the Lee's front porch was awe inspiring; sometimes even breathtaking.  But the opportunity to watch the summer sun sliding behind the shadowed mountains beyond the fertile fields was simply priceless.  As the Lord painted the sky with His Glory, we were blessed to settle back in our rocking chairs, smell the fresh country air,  feel the gentle evening breezes brush our faces, and to once again behold God's magnificent Creation.  "From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same; the Lord's name is to be praised!" Psalm 113:3

Debris Field - Alpha Ranch

This is some of what is left of the Alpha Ranch Machine shop after the Shoal Creek Valley tornado wreaked havoc.  Notice the debris spread across the field, hardly recognizable, and the sheet metal wrapped around the naked tree in the background.  Years of acquiring tools and machinery used in ministry is gone in a matter of seconds.  The clean up continues....

Aerial View Before Tornado

View Larger Map

All the structures and all the trees you see in this satellite photo (with the exception of the Railroad House) are gone - flattened, destroyed.  The long driveway in the center of the picture leads to the Railroad House (between the two large Oak trees) and then on down to the Lee's home.  If you click on the blue link in the bottom left corner, you can view a larger map and even add special overlays provided by google indicating the tornadoes path and severity.  The red marker with the A on it will remain and mark the Lee's mailbox on CR. 22.

Stopping By To Encourage and Pray

Alabama Governor, Robert Bentley,  Poses with Volunteers Working at the Lee's

Thursday, May 5th, an entourage of Sheriff's and SUV's came tooling up the driveway on their way to meet with the Lee family. It was quite an impressive sight and caused everyone to stop what they were doing to investigate what was happening. Out stepped many government officials from Montgomery, including our honorable governor.  Governor Bentley stopped by just to meet the Lee family.  He spent unhurried time hearing their story. He was obviously moved with compassion as he expressed his concern and offered his prayers for the Lees during this difficult time.  Thank you, Governor Bentley, for your testimony of sincere faith in Christ and for your prayers and ministry to many families in need.

New Post and Prayer Request - Lee's Blog

Update as of Sunday 5/15/11 - Praise the Lord!  Tiffiny was released from the hospital this afternoon!



From the Lee's Blog, posted Saturday morning, May 14th:  http://barnhousenews.blogspot.com/

Dear Friends,

The phone company provided internet service for us today, and I wanted to post a quick update. I haven't had time or access in recent days, but I have a few minutes to post before doing the next thing!

Tiffiny was admitted to the hospital again this past Tuesday. I took her to her physical therapy session that afternoon, and they immediately suspected that things weren't as they should be. Her leg was very swollen. They contacted her doctor at the hospital, and he ordered an x-ray. A broken bone or blood clot was suspected, and they were right. She has a very large blood clot and is still in the hospital. She might come home tomorrow, and she will be on medication for six months. She is receiving excellent care, is in very good spirits, and wishes to thank everyone for their prayers.

Emily is also receiving physical therapy, and she's progressing VERY nicely. She uses a walker now instead of the wheelchair! She also thanks you for your prayers.

A friend who is a doctor and his family brought us a meal the other night, and God used him to provide me with some very important information concerning my son Jacob. Jacob was pinned face down between the piano and a large beam for hours after the storm. He was carried to the triage center and the hospital that night and received excellent care, but we noticed days after his release that he only smiles with one half of his mouth. I asked our doctor friend what he thought and he asked if Jacob could close his eyes. I never would have even thought of that. He checked Jacob and found that he could not close both eyes completely. He recommended that I take him back to see the neurologist, and I am so grateful. My step brother is also a medical professional and recommended the same thing. The neurologist saw him immediately and gave him a prescription and eye drops. My prayer request is that Jacob's nerve damage will heal nicely and that his eyes will be protected. Because he can't completely close them, his eyes might be very dry as he sleeps, and dust particles or whatever might scratch and damage the cornea. He will also need to wear protective glasses while working because the natural reflexive response to particles approaching his eyes will not work to completely shut the eye lids. We appreciate your prayers for him, and we thank God for all the caring people, friends, and professionals who are ministering to them and to our entire family!

Again, we truly thank you all for the outpouring of love and prayers directed our way. The Lord is meeting our needs and blessing us in ways we never imagined. People are SO creative in how they show love and concern. His grace and peace is sufficient AND amazing.

Psalm 46
God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling.
There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God.
The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her, just at the break of dawn.
The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved;
He uttered His voice, the earth melted.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge.
Come, behold the works of the Lord,
Who has made desolations in the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two;
He burns the chariot in the fire.
Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!
The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge.

We enjoyed reading from the book of Psalms this morning. His mercies are new every morning....

Blessings,

Sherry

Community Gathering at Alpha Ranch

The Lees Visit with other Storm Victims at a Community Gathering

Saturday night, the Liverett family, neighbors and close friends of the Lees, hosted a community gathering in Shoal Creek Valley to allow residents and tornado victims the opportunity to come together and grieve those loved ones lost, to obtain needed information for clean-up and rebuilding, and to help one another through this difficult time.

The evening began with an encouraging message from the Pastor of Hardin's Chapel, pointing everyone to the Lord for their refuge and strength.  Many government officials discussed what services were available and answered questions about debris removal and the restoration of the infrastructure.  The evening concluded with prayer and everyone singing Amazing Grace.

The Cattlemen's Association grilled delicious hamburgers and hot dogs for dinner, there was Bluegrass music in the air, and most importantly, everyone had the opportunity to visit with their neighbors and share stories of survival and loss.

An interesting display of what little could be salvaged from the Alpha Ranch's Three Bay Shop
(Wood Shop, Automotive Shop, Metal/Machine Shop)

Residents of Shoal Creek Valley Gather Under a Tent to Hear From
St. Clair County Commissioner, Stan Batemon

State Representative, Blaine Galliher Drops by to Offer His Support and Prayers,
Notice the Ominous Sky

Shoal Creek Valley Friends Come Together to Support One Another

Benefit Concerts and Silent Auction

www.helpthelees.com has information about two benefit concerts and a silent auction that are taking place in Texas this week.

Interview

Below is a link to the interview that recently aired on ABC 33/40.

http://www.abc3340.com/video?clipId=5828508&autostart=true

A Heart of Gratefulness - A Channel of Grace

Anyone who knows the Lees or has bumped into them lately can attest that they are overwhelmed with gratefulness; gratefulness to their Lord, and gratefulness to all of you. It is such a testimony to God's sustaining grace in their lives - and we all see Jesus in their hearts as they respond to their tremendous loss.

All we hear them saying, each time we checked on them in the hospital or when we visit with them among the devastation in the valley is "thank you, thank you".   Graciousness is a character quality that just oozes from each Lee's pores. From the youngest to the oldest, you will notice that they seem to be much more concerned with thanking you and pointing you to their Savior's Grace than they are of considering themselves and their own needs.

You may be praying for them, serving them, giving to them, seeking to meet one of their needs - but what is most evident to anyone who seeks to bless them in some way is that we, the givers, become the receivers.  We are more than blessed by their lives and testimony.  It is the love, grace, peace and joy of Jesus that flows from the Lord through the Lee family to each of us.  They are truly channels of God's amazing grace to each of us.

Below is a recent post from Sherry's blog:  http://barnhousenews.blogspot.com/  Another testimony of God's grace in her thankful heart....

Dear Friends,

Words simply cannot express how full of gratitude our hearts are right now. We have been sustained by our loving Heavenly Father's mighty hand and overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, prayers, and acts of kindness directed our way.

Yes, I have lost my dear husband and best friend of over thirty years, but I know where he is, and I thank God for the wonderful life we had together. I miss him terribly, but I know I will see him again.

Yes, my children have lost their father, but he died as he lived....putting the needs of his wife and children ahead of those of his own and interceding for us.

I want you all to know that we feel our loss, and we grieve, but not as those who have no hope. Tom reminded us often that we all eventually meet our Maker and not at the time of our own choosing. We are at peace, and we trust in God's sovereign and merciful plan for our lives. Our lips shall praise HIM!

Our son and daughters are out of the hospital now and are healing nicely. Two daughters require physical therapy and are using a wheelchair and a walker, but full recovery is expected.

If you are one of the many who have helped us, left a kind comment, or prayed for us....we THANK YOU. We've never in our entire lives seen so many expressions of love and concern for those in our community, our state, and other states affected by the storm. Your continued prayers for our family and the many others affected by the storm are deeply appreciated.

Our lives are forever changed , but our Lord is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Our trust is in Him. May His name be glorified.

Blessings,

Sherry
for the entire Tom Lee family

Clean Up and Recovery - Serving in Ashville

Saturday Workday - View of the Railroad House in Progress

Good Friends, Good Fellowship

Ashville Neighbors Enjoying Fellowship Outside the Railroad House  10/08

Saturday, May 7

There is a lot of glass in and around the Railroad House so children should be extra careful and everyone working in the area should be aware. Saturday (5-7) is a big workday! Everyone’s help is so appreciated!


For inside the house cleaning:


The kitchen and laundry room have been cleaned. The bathrooms do not need to be cleaned as they are being taken out. The upstairs needs to be cleaned. The cedar walls and ceilings in the house have collected a lot of dust and need to be vacuumed and brushed with a heavy brush.


There is a dry erase board with a list of tasks that need to be accomplished. Anyone who needs a job should just check the board!

Projects-Volunteers Needed

 

Needed at the Welch Retreat/Railroad House:


Volunteers:

• Competent men with chainsaws and ample safety equipment. 
• Men with carpenter type skill sets and hand tools.
• Ladies with supplies to clean the interior of the house. This will be going on Friday and Saturday.
• Anyone to sweep the fields and pick up trash.

Equipment:

•  A large construction storage container with shelving is needed for the job site at the Welch Retreat/Railroad House to store tools, materials, and other supplies. This has been provided
• Wheelbarrows, rakes, and shovels from anyone coming to help. 
• Skid Steer/Bobcat This need has been met
• There is an immediate need for up to 8 sections of scaffolding. This had been provided.
  
• 2 Pneumatic nailers, hose, and compressor Need Saturday morning
  
• 1 box galvanized siding nails, to accompany nailer
  

Housing materials:

25 sheets of 4′x8′x1/2″ drywall

2 rolls of R-13 compressed batt insulation

2-100 ft. rolls of Tyvek housing wrap

Tyvek fasteners

1 AC Unit

If you are willing to volunteer in any of these areas please email Project Manager at scvconstruction@gmail.com. Thank you!

Bluegrass Gospel in the Railroad House

Friday Night Hymn Sing (Bluegrass Style) at the Family Life Class Camp Out

Every year the Family Life Class gathers at the end of October for a family camp out. Many years we congregated at the Lees, camping right in their front yard, hiking up the mountain, sharing about God's working in our hearts while warming our hands around the campfire, and gathering for hymn sings in the Railroad House.  This particular year we enjoyed special guests from Ireland.

Friday May 6th, 2nd Work Crew Needed at the Baileys

The Baileys need help at their house on Friday morning.  They need 10 or so strong men to help load the Lee's and the Welch's furniture and belongings onto a tractor trailer for safer storage.  They need several women to wipe down furniture before it is loaded onto the truck.  If you are going to Ashville Friday and are able to help, please contact the Travers for directions and so we can determine how many men we can count on.  They want everyone to meet at 9:00 a.m.

Work continues at the Railroad House tomorrow.  See the construction website for the latest updates and all the needs at that location.  scvconstruction.wordpress.com

Looking Up the Hill to the Railroad House

Ashville Family Fellowship in the Railroad House

Wonderful memories of Ashville families gathered for
Sunday night Bible Studies in the Railroad House....

For years the Lee family served our families and weekly welcomed us to the Railroad House.  We gathered for time spent studying God's Word, rich fellowship as families, and wonderful music!

What you can't see in this panorama are others in our fellowship, seated in the dining room, in the foyer, and lining the stairway upstairs.

To God be the glory.

Thursday, May 5th

Schedule

Priorities:

• Cleaning the interior of the house.
• Cleaning up trash in the field.
• Removing damaged siding from the Railroad House.
• Cutting and Clearing fallen trees from the property.

Schedules:

Right now, work is going on all up and down Shoal Creek Valley. There is still much do to with chainsaws, but if you are going to use one it is important that you are outfitted in proper safety equipment (glasses, chaps, gloves, etc.). Anyone going out to help should have heavy shoes, gloves, and safety glasses. 

Projects-Volunteers Needed

May 4, 2011

Needed at the Welch Retreat/Railroad House:

• Competent men with chainsaws and ample safety equipment. 
• Men with carpenter type skill sets and hand tools to remove siding and windows.
• Ladies with supplies to clean the interior of the house.
• Bring broom/dust pan/shop vac
• We need to finish cleaning off, wrap, and pack items in kitchen cabinets
• Please bring bubble wrap, wrapping paper, packing tape to complete the job
• Wear gloves and thick soled shoes because of broken glass hazards
• Anyone to sweep the fields and pick up trash.

Materials:

•  A large construction storage container is needed for the job site at the Welch Retreat/Railroad House to store tools, materials, and other supplies.
• Wheelbarrows, rakes, and shovels from anyone coming to help. 
• Skid Steer/Bobcat

If you are willing to volunteer in any of these areas please email Project Manager at scvconstruction@gmail.com. Thank you!

Wednesday, May 4th

Good Morning!

The rain didn't deter our work yesterday.  Friends transported belongings to the Bailey's Barn nearby where many hands worked to clean, sort, and store their things in labeled boxes.

This brings up an immediate need.  We have run out of plastic storage containers.  If anyone can donate some more medium to large sized plastic (rubbermaid or generic) storage boxes, they are needed right away.  You can contact the Travers or the Baileys if you need more information on this project.  Praise the Lord, word has been received that our church's mercy ministry and some members of our SS class are providing the containers, and that they should arrive sometime today!

In the valley, work will continue today to completely clear and then clean debris out of the Retreat Center.  If anyone is going to the Valley, you may want to be prepared with brooms, dust pans, and shop vacs to help in cleaning debris from the walls and floor.  It is generally a good idea to be prepared with work gloves, and you may want to consider a mask and eye protection too.

A second project that can be "tackled" tomorrow is to cut up the trees around the perimeter of the property (with chain saws) into lengths which can then be bull dozed into burn piles.  Please, it has been requested that only those who have adequate experience and proper safety equipment (goggles, gloves, chaps) should help in this project.  It is our prayer to avoid any potential accidents.

Construction Contact

Any questions or comments related to construction at the Welch Retreat/Railroad House should go to scvconstruction@gmail.com.

Also, scvconstruction.wordpress.com is updated with schedules of construction events as well as materials and supplies needed.

Monday, May 2nd