I wrote yesterday about the hard times the Hutchins family in rural north Texas are facing: a tornado destroyed their Rehoboth Ranch barns, killed all their chickens, and severely damaged their house. In Crunchy Cons, I profiled this family, and all the good work they do at their farm, raising animals the old-fashioned way because they believe that brings honor to God and His creation. I asked you all to consider contributing online to the Rehoboth Ranch Relief Fund, to help the family get through this devastating loss and rebuild. If you want to know a little more about that family and their passion for the land, read here.

The fund has been live for just over a day, and already, generous hearts have given a stunning $42,000 to the family. Most of the donations on the site have been anonymous, but I’m sure some of them are this blog’s readers. I can say that confidently because I’m seeing on the list some names I recognize from these pages. I cannot thank you enough for your kindness. I know this family personally, know how hard they work, how strong their faith is, and how much good they do in the world. As I write this, I have tears in my eyes thinking about you good people, my readers, and how you are reaching out to help them in their hour of need.

Thank you. You can scarcely imagine the good you do through your kindness. Lots of times we’re asked to donate to hurting people, and we do it on faith, trusting that our gifts will be put to good use. This is one of those occasions in which I know how the money will be used, and I know the recipients, and I know their humility and goodness. It’s one of those times when I know what it means to stand with your neighbors, even though they are hundreds of miles away. You may not know this family, but I appreciate your faith. Again: thank you.