FARGO, N.D. — Weary residents of this sandbagged city came together in churches Sunday, counting their blessings that the Red River finally stopped rising and praying that the levees would hold back its wrath. A brief levee break that swamped a school provided a warning of the kind of threat that still hangs over them in the days ahead.
Church services that are a staple of life Sunday mornings in Fargo took on greater significance as people gathered after a week of sandbagging. They sang hymns and held hands, asking together for divine help in avoiding disaster.
“At a time like this, we need to call on God’s providential assistance,” said the Rev. Bob Ona, pastor of Fargo’s First Assembly of God church. “All of you have been heroic in your efforts. All of you have been pushed past the wall of weariness, exhaustion and numerous frustrations in order to do the right thing — help people in the name of the Lord.”
The Red River continued its retreat Sunday after cresting a day earlier, dropping below record level to 39.88 feet. City officials have said they would breathe easier when the river falls to 37 feet or lower, expected by Saturday.
Fargo faces another test this week as a storm approaches with up to a half-foot of snow and powerful wind gusts that could send waves crashing into and over the levees. The Associated Press
