BOONE, — As twisters ripped apart communities near Oklahoma City, Samaritan's Purse immediately began mobilizing disaster relief experts and resources to send to the area. The international Christian relief organization will be providing emergency assistance as well as cleaning and repairing damaged homes.

Two Disaster Relief Units deployed before dawn Tuesday from North Wilkesboro, N.C., to travel to Oklahoma. The tractor-trailers are stocked with heavy-duty plastic, chainsaws, generators, and other tools and equipment. The units also will serve as command centers for the response.

"Our prayers are with all of those who are suffering because of this massive storm," said Samaritan's Purse President Franklin Graham. "We are going to stand by them and do everything we can to help them recover physically, emotionally and spiritually."

Samaritan's Purse also provided relief in Moore, Okla., after a tornado destroyed more than 1,000 homes in the area in 1999.