Missouri

Westboro Baptist Church members did not show up on Sunday afternoon in Joplin as expected. But thousands of Joplin supporters did show up and lined the streets armed with signs that declare, "God Loves Joplin," just in case.

The extremist Westboro group, known for picketing at funerals of military officers, had announced earlier that they would protest in Joplin, Mo., on Sunday against President Obama, who spoke at a memorial service for tornado victims.

In the group's press release, they also claim that Joplin was hit by a tornado as God's punishment for the sins of residents. more >>

The Joplin, Mo., memorial service Sunday served as a battle cry for residents who are determined to rebuild their city and believe that God loves Joplin.

Joplin pastors, Missouri Governor Jay Nixon, and President Barack Obama each took the stage without failing to each quote the Bible in their efforts to comfort the hurting tornado survivors and redirect their attention to the future.

“To those families whose members have died, I think God is saying to you right now that death does not get the last word,” said the Rev. Aaron Brown of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Joplin. “I think God is saying to those families right now, this is what I wanted you to see in the resurrection of Jesus that death doesn’t win ever. Even when you think it does.” more >>

President Obama told Joplin, Mo. residents Sunday at a memorial service for tornado victims that after the news cameras leave and the media turn their attention to other topics, the country will still be with Joplin in its effort to rebuild.

“There is no doubt in my mind that Joplin will rebuild. And as president I can promise you that your country will be with you every single step of the way,” declared Obama at Missouri Southern State University, inciting roars of applause and whistle-blowing.

“The cameras may leave, the spotlight may shift, but we will be with you every step of the way until Joplin is restored and this community is back on its feet,” he shouted amid loud clapping and shouts of support. “We aren’t going anywhere!” more >>

A Joplin, Mo., official said the number of people missing since last week's powerful tornado is down to 40.

Just the evening before, the number of people still unaccounted for was 100. But Mike O'Connell, spokesman for the Missouri Department of Public Safety, said the figure had dropped to less than half as of today, according to The Associated Press.

Sadly, however, the drop is due to relatives being notified that their love ones had died, rather than because of rescue efforts. more >>

An EF-5 tornado will not prevent Joplin, Mo. residents from attending church service on Sunday.

Several churches in Joplin are holding services amid the rubble or at another building. The city of 50,000 people is estimated to be 25 to 30 percent destroyed.

No organ or piano music will be heard today at Peace Lutheran Church in Joplin – the instruments have been reduced to splinters, reported The Kansas City Star. But congregants will still come together on the Sabbath for a simple service in the church’s parking lot using folding chairs. more >>

Tornado-ravaged Joplin, Mo., will hold a community memorial service Sunday that will attract President Obama as well as unwelcomed guests from Westboro Baptist Church.

Joplin Police Chief Lane Roberts said Friday at a news conference that officers are "ready" for the controversial church known for protesting at funerals of military officers. The police chief said Westboro members have the right to protest and will be given a designated area to demonstrate.

According to Westboro's website, its members are scheduled to hold a peaceful protest at noon on Sunday. more >>