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Tornado damages Tulsa youth group's drumset

Posted at 4:55 PM, Apr 04, 2016
and last updated 2016-04-05 17:38:03-04
Last week's tornado damaged the roof and structure of Tulsa's Bethel Seventh-Day Adventist church.
 
The church located on 46th Street North is facing another challenge.
 
It's youth group, the Pathfinders, is trying to raise money after water from the tornado leaked into the church's closet where their instruments were stored.
 
"The water came in and warped all the heads of the instruments," explained Pastor J.M. Phipps.
 
The Pathfinders have run into a roadblock before next week's youth conference they were invited to play in.
 
"We were the only club in Oklahoma invited to play," said Aleta Thomas, the youth group's leader.
 
A total of 20 members, ages 10 to 17, are getting ready to head to Virginia Beach for the five-day United Youth Congress.
 
Thomas said it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the majority of the members who come from challenging backgrounds and have never left the state.
 
"We would like do anything to bring back our stuff," said Danee Thomas, one of the youth members.
 
She said they spent months fundraising thousands of dollars for their drumset, and it saddens her to see it damaged.
 
The group is trying to find the funds for new uniforms and drums.
 
"We've been selling chocolate. The kids went out yesterday and sold candy bars," said Thomas, the group's leader.
 
The Pathfinders are determined to go on their trip, holding on to their faith and their organization's motto.
 
"We never let one another down. Our motto is we are one," said Thomas, the youth member.
 
If you would like to help the church youth group, visit its website and click on "Online Giving".