When the Rev. Steven Earp, pastor of Elevate Church in Moore, Okla., heard about last month's tornadoes in Arkansas his heart sank. He had seen the devastation a tornado can bring when last year's EF5 tornado tore through Moore, leaving 24 dead and more than 350 injured.
"My mind was taken back to the smells, sounds and sights of the storm here," he said. "Some of the feelings of fear for loved ones, mourning for community losses and anxiety over the next steps to take came rushing back to me."
Earp hopes his new film, Where Was God? Stories of Hope After the Storm, will provide some hope. Earp served as executive producer for the documentary, which was filmed in the aftermath of the Moore tornado. It highlights the stories of survivors -- parents and children -- as well as first responders and volunteers there on May 20, 2013, and in the weeks that followed. The film explores the role of faith in overcoming the storms of life -- literally and figuratively. It premieres Friday in Moore.
"We want to remind people that God is always near, no matter what," Earp said. "There is not a single thing that we could ever go through that our heavenly Father does not understand, and there is not a single dark place that He has not already walked."
Chris Forbes, a producer of the film, said he wanted to tell the story of what happens after the news crews leave and people are left to put their lives back together.
"We wanted to answer the question, 'How do life's storms affect your faith?'" he said. "As we were interviewing people for the film, it became apparent that the Moore storm is not the central theme in the film, but rather finding hope in God in the storms of life. People who come to the film will see a side of the storm they have not yet seen."
As for the name of the film, Forbes said "Where was God?" is a question many people ask after a tragedy or disaster.
"Even Jesus asked why," he said. "It's not wrong to ask why but it's also a tough question. We wanted to ask that question and people in the film address the experience of where they saw God and how He moved in their lives during and after the storm."
REMEMBERING A SON
One of the families featured in the film is Scott and Stacey McCabe. Their 8-year-old son Nicholas died when the tornado hit Plaza Towers Elementary School.
"He was the most fun-loving, giving, intelligent child," Stacey McCabe said. "Both Scott and I were older when we had him ... so he was quite a surprise. He came into the world with a bang and he just brought us such joy."
After his death, McCabe said they heard stories of Nicholas' generosity of spirit from teachers and school staff. He would ask for extra food for lunch from his parents and would share it with others.
"He would share whatever he had no matter who it was," McCabe said. "We consider his legacy to be 'extras' -- of time, of money, whatever you have in your life."
After hearing that the school had been hit by the tornado, Scott McCabe raced to the site. As survivors were pulled from the rubble, Nicholas wasn't among them. The couple was sent with other families to a nearby church to wait. Eventually they were asked to write down a description of what Nicholas was wearing, the color of his hair and eyes and told to go home and wait for contact from the medical examiner's office.
In the film, Stacey McCabe talks about that long night, waiting for word. They got the devastating news the following morning.
Through it all, she said, she was never angry at God.
"I can't ask why, all I can do now is ask, 'What do you need me to do?' That's all I've done," she said. "He left me here. He left my husband here. He left us here for a reason and that was to tell Nicholas' story of the love and giving and grace of Jesus."
McCabe said faith has sustained her.
"My faith keeps me strong," she said, noting that the tragedy also brought her husband to a faith in Jesus. "So now we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that we will be with Nicholas together and to know that makes you want to go on and show people you can go on after life's storms, no matter what."
Almost a year later, the McCabes remember the good times they had with Nicholas. They remember his laugh, the perpetual smile on his face, his love of the Oklahoma City Thunder and the hours of enjoyment he could get out of a box of Legos.
"He is truly, truly missed," McCabe said.
STORIES OF FAITH
Forbes said the film doesn't feature narration or an interview-type format. It's simply the people of Moore telling their stories. They talk about how they met and fell in love and started having children. They talk of hardships and joys, of everyday routines shattered in an instant.
"It's unflinching, looking at the tough questions, but it's very faith-filled," Forbes said. "The message is very strong but it's nothing we could have prepared. This is real and I think it is edifying and encouraging and people will relate to it no matter if they've gone through a terrible natural disaster or a personal one."
Forbes said the individuals participating in the film did so to be an encouragement to others. He said they each point to faith in God and His presence as their source of strength.
"We hope others will be encouraged to look to God in their toughest moments," he said.
Forbes said he feels lucky to have met the families featured in the film. Seeing the strength of their faith was inspiring.
"Should I ever experience any similar loss I will be thinking about them," he said. "They've forever changed me. I feel like they are more than family."
As for the families recently affected by the tornadoes in Arkansas, Forbes said, "Our group has already been praying for them and we hurt with them. We know God was and is present there ... and we pray people there allow themselves to experience the same comfort of the Holy Spirit we received. If there is any way we can be of encouragement to them, we want to help."
Earp said he realizes those most directly affected by last month's storms probably aren't ready to see the film.
"For some, for those who suffered the ultimate losses, it may seem as if they've entered into a dark, stormy night and they aren't sure if they'll ever get out," he said. "Based on my time here in Moore, living here my entire life and then pastoring during and after our local disaster, here's what I'd say: It's time to just put one foot in front of another, hour after hour and day after day. Cling to each other. Share your stories and experiences with one another at coffee shops, at home and in churches. Talk about how you experienced the storm. What did you think? How have you felt?"
Earp suggests writing down those feelings in a journal.
"If you're close to the disaster, you'll go through a spectrum of emotions. The coming days and weeks will be a series of stress and release, emotional highs and lows. One day, there will be great value for you and also those who follow you to be able to read in your own words how you experienced tragedy, how you grew, what you learned," he said.
He also suggests taking a short time out each day to simply be still and silent, and to pray.
"It will charge your battery for the taxing work of serving your community," he said. "Lean into the pain and experience all of it. Cry the tears as they come. Ask the hard questions. Express the anger. Help one another but don't leave off self-care."
Above all, he said, listen for the Lord.
"God is always speaking to us," he said. "Mostly, His speaking is in a still, soft whisper. We have to quiet ourselves in order to hear Him. During times of hardship, suffering and pain, it's as if He picks up a megaphone. If we don't tune Him out, we can really connect with Him during our most difficult times."
Where Was God? is a Behold Motion Pictures film in association with Elevate Faith Productions. Brian Cates also served as producer and Travis Palmer was director. The documentary will premiere at Moore's Warren Theatre on Friday. Showings are available throughout the country through the website wherewasgod.com.
Religion on 05/10/2014