The heavy storms that have affected part of the United States have already left more than 250 people dead. Local authorities have already decreed a state of emergency in Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee and Oklahoma.

In Alabama, the most seriously affected region, a giant tornado of almost 1 kilometer, swept over Tuscaloosa. Local residents were trapped in their homes with their doors blocked by trees. The streets are strewn with debris.

In Birmingham, Alabama’s biggest city, the windstorm destroyed areas to the north of the urban center knocking over trees and dragging cars along. According to authorities, at least 375,000 people were without electricity in the State.

In Arkansas, the tornadoes and floods caused a power failure. Trees were blown over and houses destroyed, leaving 11 people dead. More than 50 tornadoes and, in some regions, rainfall of up to 45 cm between Saturday and Tuesday have been recorded.

In Missouri, hundreds of people were evacuated from their homes after dikes on the Black River were breached, close to Poplar Bluff. Images from American TV channels show rescue teams facing the strong current in order to save people trapped by the water.

The Legion of Good Will (LGW) and its President, José de Paiva Netto, are praying for the victims and their friends and families who have been affected by the tornadoes in the United States, asking for God’s blessing over the people who are facing these very challenging times.

With the conviction that "Jesus is the immortal certainty of better days”, the Legion of Good Will is continuously promoting relief actions, bringing comfort and spiritual strength to those who suffer. To all the people of the United States, the LGW dedicates a word of Peace through the Ecumenical Lord´s Prayer, which you can listen by clicking on the link below.

Click here to listen to this prayer in the voice of the Little Soldier of God Mateus da Costa Trombino, 10 years old.

The Lord's Prayer Our Father who is in Heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Your Kingdom come, Your Will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses just as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but forgive us from evil, for Yours is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory for ever and ever. Amen!

Version: Rob Dinham
Revision: Rosana Bertolin