As residents of Merrillville, Indiana, emerged from their homes following a powerful tornado, they were met with scenes of devastation—snapped utility poles, damaged homes, shredded roofs and debris strewn across roadways. Yet amid the destruction, one image quickly captured the community’s attention: a crucifix still standing.
Local television coverage by Fox 32 Chicago showed the storm’s extensive damage throughout portions of northwest Indiana, including significant destruction at Andrean High School. While parts of the campus appeared damaged by the storm, a crucifix remained upright, standing prominently amid the wreckage.
A reporter at the scene noted that residents throughout the community had begun discussing the image.
“What’s crazy is the one thing that remains standing right now,” the reporter said while surveying the damage around the school. “It seems like right by this high school or on this high school campus is a cross. You know, take that however you want to take it. But I do think it’s a strong symbol.” The reporter added that many residents were amazed that the crucifix remained standing despite the surrounding destruction.
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The tornado left a trail of damage throughout Merrillville, particularly near the intersection of 61st Street and Broadway. Utility poles were snapped in half, power lines dangled dangerously over roadways, and emergency crews worked to secure affected areas. Authorities urged residents to treat all downed wires as if they were live while utility workers began the lengthy restoration process.
For many residents, however, the greatest concern was not property loss but the safety of loved ones.
One homeowner, identified as Byron, recounted the frightening moments when the storm arrived.
“About 7:30, I would say I heard something that sounded like a train,” Byron said. “So me and my family went in the basement, and all you heard was a lot of banging.”
When he later emerged, he discovered a hole in his ceiling, extensive water damage and significant damage to his property.
Despite the destruction, Byron maintained a perspective many in the community appeared to share.
“Everybody’s alive and well,” he said. “All this stuff can be replaced. You can’t replace people.”
The scene serves as a reminder that while storms may leave destruction in their wake, faith can remain firmly rooted. Buildings can be repaired. Debris can be cleared. Communities can rebuild. And sometimes, in the middle of devastation, a simple image becomes a powerful reminder of hope.
In Merrillville, that image was a crucifix standing through the storm.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the newly released book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
