It’s back to work for volunteers with Mississippi Baptist Disaster Relief after an “operational pause” for the observance of Easter.
“MBDR will return to Amory, Rolling Fork, and other affected areas to assess the needs moving forward as these communities continue the recovery process” from the severe weather of the past several weeks, said Hubert Yates, disaster relief director for the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board.
“It is anticipated that additional chainsaw/debris removal teams will be needed in addition to demolition services to assist homeowners in preparing to rebuild their homes,” he said.
Trained and credentialed MBDR volunteers began mobilizing across the state after deadly tornadoes struck March 24. They were followed by another powerful storm on March 31 that resulted in significant damage to additional areas.
Rolling Fork
“With widespread damage, MBDR leadership reached out to the Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief network for assistance to insure that areas affected received assistance,” Yates said. Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief responded to the call and coordinated with MBDR in establishing an operations site at First Baptist Church, Rolling Fork, that opened on March 26.
On March 31, Yates noted, Arkansas experienced their own severe weather outbreak. With assistance from an Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief feeding team in Rolling Fork, Arkansas’ Disaster Relief team returned home to serve their affected areas.
A total of 4,023 meals were served to survivors and the deployed volunteers; 117 work requests for chainsaw, tarping and debris removal were completed or closed prior to the Easter pause, Yates reported. The teams, he noted, also had the opportunity for 88 ministry contacts, five gospel presentations and recorded one profession of faith.
To read Mississippi’s full report on other related Disaster Relief efforts, click here.
How to pray
Yates listed prayer requests for immediate needs in the aftermath of the storms:
— Prayer for each community affected, the churches and their staffs, the volunteers as they respond, and their leadership as they plan and lead.
–Financial donations to allow for purchase of items in bulk quantities, which will facilitate transportation, handling and storage.
Ways to help
For more information on how you can help, check with your church, association or state Baptist convention to find out how they are contributing to ongoing relief efforts in your state and beyond. To contact your state convention to find out how to assist with Southern Baptist Disaster Relief efforts, click here. Or, for more information about Send Relief, click here.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by William Perkins and originally published by the Baptist Record.
