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Generosity—expressed through labor and good stewardship—helps Central Texas church rebuild after 2022 tornado
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ess than a year after an EF-3 tornado destroyed First Cedar Valley Baptist Church, the Central Texas congregation has built back better thanks to good stewardship of God’s resources and the generosity of God’s people.
After the April 12, 2022, tornado struck, the building suffered so much structural damage it had to be torn down. About all that was left of the building was its slab foundation and a large cross that was anchored to it.
Tears trickled down Pastor Donnie Jackson’s face as he viewed the aftermath. He had grown up in the church and saw a lifetime of memories destroyed.
But First Cedar Valley—located 11 miles west of Salado—pushed on. That Easter, the church held outdoor services on the bare slab less than a week after the tornado. Efforts to rebuild had already begun.
‘God’s people came through’
Almost immediately after the storm, Jackson received “tons of phone calls.”
“I was there [at the church property] daylight to dark fielding so many phone calls,” Jackson said. “I could not remember everyone who had called. So many churches. So many people.”
The church was insured, Jackson said, and the insurance company advanced funds quickly as a partial settlement so reconstruction could begin. The property was soon cleared of downed trees and debris. A church member and proprietor of a commercial building company arranged for onsite storage for whatever could be salvaged by volunteers and workers.
By early May 2022, that church member’s crews had erected a temporary air-conditioned building that would seat 78 so the church could hold services indoors. A week or so later, construction on the new permanent facility began.
As manpower assembled from inside and outside the church, donations poured in as well, Jackson said.
“It was unbelievable how the churches and others stepped forward,” he said.
“People poured out their love for us. Ours is a story of how God used people. So many helped us in so many ways. God touches the hearts of people. This has been such a blessing to us as a church and to me as a pastor.”
Substantial checks arrived from other congregations. Old friends, acquaintances, and even strangers contributed. A contractor who specializes in large-scale commercial electrical work offered to supply not only the inside electrical work but also outdoor lighting and parking lot poles—items not included in previous bids from others.
When it came time to sign the contract, Jackson was astonished to note the charges. “It was all zeroes. We didn’t owe a dime,” the pastor said. “These are the kind of people God sent our way. … God’s people came through.”
The church has literally built back better, Jackson said, noting that 14 feet has been added to the back of the worship center that now seats 250. Sunday school and office space also was expanded. While the old building was around 8,000 square feet, the new facility is 10,000 square feet with another 25,000 square feet of concrete parking.
Space isn’t the only thing increasing.
Attendance, which had begun to rise after Jackson assumed the pulpit full time in March 2020 and suffered a decline during COVID, is climbing again. More than 65 regularly attend, and special Sundays like Easter and Mother’s Day draw more than 100. Younger families are coming. Almost every Sunday brings new visitors.
“I will be baptizing five over the next few weeks,” Jackson said. Referring to his own pre-pandemic health issues, Jackson said he intends to continue leading the church. “As long as the Lord allows me to keep on keeping on, I will. It’s in His hands. Even our next breath is in His hands. Whatever He allows me to do I will do.”
“The tornado put our little village on the map. ... it’s a blessing to see your people grow so much in the faith. We went through it together.”
‘We packed it out’
Remarkably, construction progressed at such a pace that the church began to occupy the new facilities on Dec. 23, 2022. The official dedication was held on Saturday, April 1, 2023, almost one year to the day of the tornado.
Gov. Greg Abbott, who had come to Cedar Valley to offer support in the immediate aftermath of the tornado, attended the dedication, as did first responders, area dignitaries, and representatives from other churches.
“We invited the churches that helped us and had been praying for us. Many had sent funds or made donations of chairs and other items,” said Jackson. “We held [the dedication] on a Saturday so these pastors and their members could attend and not take away from their worship services. Everybody was invited to be a part of it. … We packed it out.”
The cross from the former building is in the new building, as are an 1800s-era Bible and a commemorative plate inscribed with a Bible verse. The items survived the tornado unscathed and are now in the new main foyer. Another larger cross, damaged during the storm and repaired, hangs in the worship center.
“People poured out their love for us. Ours is a story of how God used people,” Jackson said. “ … So many helped us in so many ways. God touches the hearts of people. This has been such a blessing to us as a church and to me as a pastor.
“The tornado put our little village on the map,” he added. “Besides the additional numbers of people coming, it’s a blessing to see your people grow so much in the faith. We went through it together.”
