On June 17, 2010 a string of tornadoes ripped through Minnesota. The northwestern town of Wadena was the hardest hit with a quarter of the buildings wiped out. The community center was almost completely destroyed, accept the room where the church held a Dependent Sunday School.

Yet more powerful than the tornadoes that came through Wadena, are Elder Richard Murdoch and Sister Ann Murdoch, a senior missionary couple from Cleveland Utah, assigned to work there since March 20, 2010. Wadina had 12 members going to church; after the Elders had increased membership up to 50, this wonderful couple replaced them, having multiple baptisms, since arriving. Missionaries had been teaching the son of a member, but when Sister Murdock came, his wife was excited to be taught by another sister. Both wife and son have since been baptized; the family is complete!

On June 18th and 19th, 12 missionaries, the Murdochs and 22 members from the St. Cloud Stake helped dig out the town and the Dependent Sunday School was held in Murdoch’s apartment for two Sundays --- 58 being the largest group! Then Elder Murdoch arranged to use the Seventh Day Adventist building, finding they had lost their pastor because of lack of funds. He offered to teach them both Saturday and Sunday! What’s more powerful than a string of tornadoes? A humble, diligent senior couple that can love and bless a whole town!