Stormed by Cyclone (Hurricane) Yasi but not defeated.

Cyclone (Hurricane) Yasi pounded us for 24 hours. We are OK- actually we are great. The house we are renting had no damage. At first we were blasted by gusts of strong wind. As time went on this became more constant. At times it sounded like a jet engine roaring. We heard banging. Trees were ripped apart. Strange noises moved above us. One neighbors iron fence broke apart. Another had some house damage. Power lines and poles fell down. We have stayed at home and have not ventured into the community as yet. Electricity has just been restored to our home (So I can finally tell you what happened.). This is a blessing. Most people in our shire are still without power. We have contacted a number of Church friends. They are OK. Others could not be contacted - phone systems are down.

God kept us in peace throughout. We focused on Him and trusted him. A day before the storm hit we listened to a CD by Bill Johnson titled "The perfect Storm - The subduing power of peace." This gave us as a family united faith and united peace in the midst of this storm. As the storm gathered power we read the Bible and listened to Jesus Culture on a battery operated MP3 powered speaker. After this we fell asleep. Waking up briefly at times, perhaps looking outside then, listening to reports on a small battery radio.

So far there is no reports of fatalities or people being seriously injured by the Storm, which is incredible. Some communities have been devastated. In the town of Tully, one in three houses lost there roof. Other towns are totally isolated. Roads are blocked by flooding, and winds are too strong for helicopters. Communication systems are down. The city of Townsville, population 160 000+, has no power and water at present. (This city is 100km = 65 miles away from us).

Bob Lipsys, Australia.