UPDATE (10:40 AM MT): Linn reports that the contents of their house may be a total loss and the back of their house is destroyed.
Elizabeth & Elijah’s room…ALL GLORY TO GOD for His faithful hand of protection!!
UPDATE (9:00 AM MT): Here is an update given by Linn’s very close friend Jo Jo…
Just talked to Linn. She said they can’t seem to get the fire under control. Lots of smoke. Firemen wearing tanks to breathe. She was pleading to have everyone keep praying. Dw just got there. Fire started in the laundry room from their boiler for their hot water baseboard heat. She saw smoke there this morning at 6:15 and when she went back in to check it there were flames and the floor was already on fire.
UPDATE: I just spoke with Linn. All the children are safely at a neighbor’s house. Linn (in only a bathrobe and sneakers) is standing in the freezing cold watching 15 fire trucks try to put the fire out. They have had to break windows, cut holes and other damage to get to the source but so far are unsure they will be able to save the house. PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY. Linny is heartbroken as you can imagine. ~Lori
Just talked to Linn. She said they can’t seem to get the fire under control. Lots of smoke. Firemen wearing tanks to breathe. She was pleading to have everyone keep praying. Dw just got there. Fire started in the laundry room from their boiler for their hot water baseboard heat. She saw smoke there this morning at 6:15 and when she went back in to check it there were flames and the floor was already on fire.
UPDATE: I just spoke with Linn. All the children are safely at a neighbor’s house. Linn (in only a bathrobe and sneakers) is standing in the freezing cold watching 15 fire trucks try to put the fire out. They have had to break windows, cut holes and other damage to get to the source but so far are unsure they will be able to save the house. PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY. Linny is heartbroken as you can imagine. ~Lori
Hello friends…this is Lori. I just received a frantic call from Linny who is beside herself as she is outside her house watching it go up in flames. She got all the kids out, THANK YOU JESUS, but now they sit and watch. Please, please pray & pray hard. As you know their house is a log cabin…wood EVERYTHING. She gave me her password and asked me to please tell all of you because she knows what faithful prayer warriors you are.
I will report back on what I know as I find out.
Oh My Gosh! Please keep us posted on this situation! I will be prayin’ for everyone involved.
oh no! so many prayers all around the wrold are going up for you and your family.
Praising God for your families safety and praying His mighty powerful hand puts out the flames quickly. I am lifting you up in prayer this moment and throughout the day. Please keep us updated.
Praying and saying thank you, they are all out!
Oh my, how horrible! I will be praying hard for them, thank the good lord that everyone is safe!
Praying, PRAYING, PRAYING HARD for this wonderful God loving family!!!!
Dear Sweet sweet Jesus,
Lift this dear family up at this time Lord. Protect them, comfort them, support them. Show them your amazing love and awe inspiring ways once again Lord. Be with them now I pray, In your sweet and holy name…
May you feel His loving arms wrapped around your family right now. I will keep praying for all that you need right now.
Praying praying, praying!!! Oh Jesus thank you
for all getting out safely!!! Donita
Dear Lord comfort this precious family and thank you Lord no one was hurt.
Please keep us posted.
Melissa
Dear Lord Jesus,
We know you love this family with all of your heart, protect them and keep them so they are not afraid. Protect their home and their belongings Lord.. be their ultimate provider at this time Lord Jesus. Provide it all. Linn prays for all the specifics… so we come to you on behalf of the Saunders family and ask you to provide every single thing they may need right now. May the community come together to support them. IN JESUS name I pray. Amen WE LOVE YOU GUYS!
praying.
Praying that they would find away to get the fire out or that they could get the trucks down the driveway.
Jo Mama
We are praying! Praise God for the safety of the family!!!
Oh, I’m so sorry! Praying for you and your family…
Just talked to Linn. She said they can’t seem to get the fire under control. Lots of smoke. Firemen wearing tanks to breathe. She was pleading to have everyone keep praying. Dw just got there. Fire started in the laundry room from their boiler for their hot water baseboard heat. She saw smoke there this morning at 6:15 and when she went back in to check it there were flames and the floor was already on fire.
At a loss of words other than to say Praise God you are all safe! Now it is time to go to my knees in prayer for my dear friend and her precious family. Our heavenly Father will walk you through this and you have many people known and unknown walking alongside you!
thanks Lori for moving over my comment! I’ll post again as I hear from her.
We are praying in Indianapolis Indiana. Praise God that all of the family got out safely. Did their little dog get to safety, too? Let us all know how we can help.
Janet and Kevin
So thankful all are safe. Praying the flames go out and property is saved too. Praying for the family.
Keri
Storming Heaven with prayers for you!
Hugging you hard from Indiana too!
Praying, praying, praying in Indiana. I am so thankful everyone is safe. Please let us know how we can help.
I think it would be great if we could list which part of the world we are located in so they can see how far their blog reaches as we pray.
Praying in TEXAS!
Goodness me, I am so grateful they got our safely, I will be praying for them,
Gill in Canada
I don’t even know where to begin… other than to praise God for getting the family out and pray for Linny and her precious family! So… prayers are going up, up, up in NC!!
Lori, thank you for keeping all of us posted!
His, Jen
The WHOLE family’s praying here!
We are praying in Charlotte, NC. I am so sorry for your loss. Please let us know how we can help.
We are praying in Charlotte, NC. I am so sorry for your loss. Let us know how we can help.
I am so very sorry. We are praying for your family and trusting that God will bring “beauty from ashes.”
Praying for continued….protection, comfort and peace .hugs
Oh Linn, Dwight and kids,
We are so grateful that you are all safe and SO sad for your loss. We are praying for you all. You all have become so close to our family although we have never met. Tears fill my eyes as I consider the pain you are going through right now but I can see you in the end of this and your faith is not touched. We serve a mighty God and I am praising Him now for your safety and faith.
Blessings, Lisa C.
Praying hard here!! I am so very sorry. I do thank our Lord that everyone is safe. Sending hugs and prayers for peace.
Ohilda
Oh, I am so sorry this happened. Praying for comfort, strength, and recovery for your family.
Mary in Iowa
Coming out of the shadows with more prayers than I can hold! Praise you Lord for your faithfulness!
PTL they are all safe. We are praying here for them.
Praying…praise the Lord they are all safe.
Praise God they are all safe. We are all praying for them so much.
Lisa from Ohio
I received a text from their oldest daughter Abby (one of my dearest friends!) before I saw this!
Praising God for their safety but praying here in NC for their major loss!
Saunders family, my heart is broken for your loss, and I believe the Lord gave me these verses for your family:
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they will not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched,
Nor will the flame burn you.
For I am the Lord your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior..”
Isaiah 42:2,3a
We’re interceding for you guys today!
Sara McNutt
Thankful that everyone is safe! Praying for all of you in Missouri!
Oh sweet friends . . .
Lord cover Dwight and Linny and all of the children with your Mighty wing, be their shield and rampart during this desperate, scary time. Thank you Father God for Your protection, and thank you that YOU make all things new. Thank you Father, that there many, many people who love them and care for them and will help them recover from this loss.
We love you guys~
Tina and family
Still storming heaven with prayers for this family all the way in South Carolina! May the lord give you peace during this difficult time.
Praying for you and your family in Williamsburg!
Lyn
thank you for the continuous updates!
father God,
THank you for protecting this dear family, for guiding them to safety. Lord, I pray that your shower them all with comfort, hope and healing. Lord, through this heartbreak, may you continue to be Glorfiied. Please continue to bless this family, my brothers and sisters, and provide all that you have.
I am in tears…I am sooo soory for your loss. Thanks be to God for the safety of the family! We will be praying.
Dw & Linn – Julia D reminded me this morning that: (thank you Holy Spirit) that this is no surprise to the Most High. He is your provision (not man, not friends, not insurance companies), he knows your needs even before this happened. There is no doubt in my mind that things are already taken care of in the spiritual, and will be released in the physical in His time.
He CAN and WILL use this for His glory! We are continuing to pray…
Praying for your family. I am so sorry for your family. Praise God that everyone got out safely.
Oh No! I am so sorry and feel sick, but so thankful to God that everyone is safe. My prayers are for you and your family.
Thanking God that you are safe and praying here in Alabama for you all!
DawnS
As I checked in on your blog today, I could not believe what I was reading!! I am in shock and disbelief that this is happening to you and your family… I am so, so sorry for your loss but I am thankful that everyone is safe!
Praying for you from Iowa…
Linn and Dwight,
My prayers are with you all! I can’t imagine the heartbreak you are going through. We will be here to help meet your needs and continue in prayer. We love you and know that the Lord is taking care of you every minute.
With love from Richmond, Va.
Lori L.
I was ‘just checking in’ to see what was happening in th elittle lg cabin today. I never expected to have my breath taken away an tears of sorrow stream down my face. I am so thankful that everyone is safe. I can only imagine how frightening this was for you~~especially the children. You know prayers are being sent up for you in my corner of the world. And as faithful Christians we know that our treasures are not in worldly possessions; our treasures are laid up for us in heaven.
Please let me know what you need to replace what you have lost physically. Clothes, toys, whatever.
Tammy
Oh Linn….
I did not expect to find this today. I am praising God that you are all okay!
On my knees praying for comfort, and peace, and strength and all that you need. He will provide.
Sending you so much love and so many prayers.
Wish I were there to do something. 🙁
Love to you~
AMie
Praying, praying, praying ………..and then praying some more!!!!
Okay I am at a lose for words too. Just praying and echoing most of what everyone else is praying. Every time I look at the picture of the babies room I say thank you Jesus they are safe.
Just know that we are here for you guys; let us know what you need and we are praying for you.
God is good and I know that you will have another story of how good He is when this is all done.
Love you guys and praying with a heavy spirit.
Jo Mama Lee
Thank you. THANK YOU, Lord, that all within this precious family are safe! Praying big, specific prayers for peace and comfort from CT.
As so many have said, please let us know how we can help, what we can provide physically. I am so terribly sorry for your loss, Linn and Dwight.
With Much Love and Huge Hugs across the miles… Amy, Chris, JT, Harry, Mac and Gracie
Linn, DW and family,
So grateful that everyone is safe from harm. Praying for peace, strength, and favor. Please call upon me for anything you may need!
Praying for you in Indiana,
Jen
Dear Brother and Sister in Christ,
I am lifting up your family in WI. There are no words, but God will provide!
Proverbs 3:5-6
Stacey and family
My heart is hurting for your family, Linn. All day I am praying…actually all of the Opp’s are praying for you.
This is one of those things that is pretty tough to understand…while we know God could stop the fire in an instant, He did not, yet we also know that He is good…oh, so good. You know that, your family is a witness to that truth. Hold onto His promise–He loves your family with such a compete unfailing love and we will be watching Him provide, we will be watching Him work these next days, these next weeks.
You are loved…you are being lifted up constantly to the King who REIGNS!
Praying, praying, then praying some more!
Love,
Gayle
Romans 8:28
prayers and whatever else needed to keep your family safe…..
I wish I could do something to help…
Hi! First of all I am praying. My name is Stefi and a friend sent me your blog. My home burnt 3 years ago. We lost 90% of everything we owned and the other 10% had smoke, water, or some other sort of damage. I want you to know that I will help you in any way possible. Please contact me for assistance in what to do next. I know that it is overwhelming. I thought I was going to lose my mind at the time. My husband was deployed to Kuwait at the time of the fire and could only come home to see the burnt out shell of our lives. I want to encourage you though…God gives us what we can handle. At the time, I screamed back at Him…”This is a lot!” But He allowed our fire to happen so that we could give Him Glory. Remember, Isaiah 43:2-5 “…When you walk through the fire you will not be burned, the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…I Love You…Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west.” I am praying for you. My email is stefikoonce@gmail.com Lori, you can contact me as well in order to help Linn. I have some steps to follow and guidance that may be helpful. Praying in Missouri.
Blessings,
Stefi
No words right now. I am very sorry to hear such horrible news, but I am thrilled that everyone is OK. We are praying for you here in Ohio!
All the best,
Nicole A. in OH
Linn and Dwight,
So sorry you have to go through this but praising Jesus that you are all safe. My friend, Tina, called me as I was heading out of my house for an appointment. She told me about your house and the fire. Believe me, I spent the 40 minute drive to the appointment praying for you and your family.
Still praying for you in Texas,
Robin
So sorry! But I will pray! God is still good!!! Hold fast friends!
Kam
GA
Oh Linn, Dw, and family – I am also so saddened to know of your loss today. I am thankful it wasn’t dark, with all of the family asleep, and also thankful that the roads were clear enough for the fire department to get there as quickly as they could. I pray that you will salvage some items that are precious memories for you. I praise God that His hand was near as you all got out safely and that Dw was able to get home safely. The prayers continue.
Oh, Linn, I just read about your loss on another blog. I gasped in disbelief.
Thank you, Jesus, that all of the children are safe! I will be praying for you, as others are. The body of Christ is carrying you to the Father.
Robbie
Ellie’s mom
I came over from Aimee’s blog, after reading her prayer request for your family. I am praying for you as you deal with the loss of your house. Praise GOD your family is safe!
Beth from Virginia
Lifting your whole family up in prayer all day today, and will continue doing so!
Thank you Lord for the safety of the family. Satan, you can’t take away the joy of this family, no matter how hard you try!
Linn, I’m just thinking that Satan feels like he needs to attack, because of all the Christ-like things your family has been walking out through adoption, and the ministry that you have been doing online. Don’t let Him win:)
There are really no words, except that we love you and are so happy everyone is safe. We are shocked and heartbroken. God is there with you!
Praying for you all at this tragic time, Linn. Praising God that you are all ALIVE!!
Oh no. Oh, Miss Linn, I am so sorry. Please know I will be praying. I wish I could do even more, but I unfortunately live half a continent away. I will pray though. Know that. I thank God everyone is safe!
Oh Linn, I am so sorry. I just read about the fire and I am so shocked. I’m so thankful that you’re all ok, but my heart is just aching for your loss.
Praying for you and sending lots of hugs,
Sharla
Linny and Dw,
I’m sitting here in tears. I just now saw your news. I’m so sorry, my dear friend. Yes, we are praising God with you that you all are safe. Big,big hugs. I will be praying for you…peace for your family.
trina
Grateful to God that all are safe. Praying for you.
From the heart of a firefighter’s wife my prayers are for you!
Terrye in FL
Oh Dear Linny our hearts are very heavy tonight for you and your precious precious family. We know this is a terribly difficult time and want you to know I have grown to love you from afar and this is one more prayer partner that will be upholding all of you.
When your arms are tired,, know there are many many others at the foot of the cross on your behalf. May God wrap his loving arms around you and I’m reminded of the poem about looking back at the footprints in the snow. When suddenly the footprints went from two sets to one set we know that this is when God is carrying us.
I will leave you with a very special verse in my life… “Weeping may endure for a moment… but JOY cometh in the morning. Psalms 30:4
All love and prayers ahead..
Susan
Amie’s SIL here…..just wanted to let you know my family is praying for you guys.
We are anxious to help you in any way we can.
All the glory to God for His faithful protection over your family.
Kristen
Bless your heart!! ((hugs))
So sorry! But, I so Thankful that you all got out safely!! Praise God!
Prayin for you in the days ahead!
~Keisha
You are in our thoughts and our prayers, I am so sorry for all you have lost.
Blessings
Angie
Dear Linn..i found your wonderful blog from your friend Aimee i think is her dear name..i am horrified by what you have had to endure…i am so thankful and greatful that our wonderful Father in Heaven got all your children out safely and you too!! May His Name be forever blessed!!
i am so sorry for what you must be feeling now, but bind the WORK of the enemy dear! Don’t let him win this battle, Cling to Jesus’s side and HE will make a miracle happen..I feel it in my bones BUT that miracle will happen =)) some day you’ll see what i mean! Through praying for your family I sense from God that HE somehow someway will provide for you and give you a miracle! i keep wondering if that miracle will be winning the Extreme Makeover??
I can only hope!
well i’ll keep praying for you and all your children and for your dear family!!
i’ll post a link on my blog to Aimee’s page so people can read and pray for you!
And i’ll try my best to link that extreme makeover photo on my blog!
Just remember this wonderful verse from the Word…
Jeremiah 29:11-14 (NIV)
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”
another verse is my life verse that may help you as well =)
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
believe me i could give you more passages, but i’ll give this post a rest for now..I’ll keep praying for your family fervently!
And i will ask all my friends to pray too on my blog!
i send you all prayers and hugs!
May God bless your family richly and give you His everlasting comfort in this time!
Blessings always!
In Him, Jane.