Relief efforts are underway after a deadly tornado outbreak ripped through the Ohio Valley region May 16–17, killing at least 28 people and leaving widespread devastation in Kentucky, Missouri and other areas. Kentucky was the hardest hit, with at least 19 confirmed deaths, many in Somerset and London, the Associated Press reported. Five more lives were reportedly lost in the St. Louis area, where damage is estimated at more than $1 billion. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has requested federal disaster assistance.
Southern Baptist Disaster Relief teams have mobilized across affected areas. In Kentucky, DR teams from the state — with support from Georgia Baptist teams — are helping residents in London, Somerset, Bowling Green and Benton, deploying chainsaw crews, feeding units and a shower trailer.
In Missouri, volunteers are feeding storm victims in St. Louis and assessing needs in Scott County. Teams from Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Maryland-Delaware and other states are also engaged in recovery efforts, including flood response in Maryland, reported Coy Webb, crisis response director for Send Relief, the compassion ministry of the North American Mission Board and International Mission Board.
‘Step into the gap’
Among the devastation, the Lake Cumberland Baptist Association office in Somerset was destroyed, along with the garage storing a Kentucky DR trailer — though the trailer “is still standing,” according to a social media post by SBC Disaster Relief. Despite damage, local churches like High Street Baptist in Somerset and Corinth Baptist in London are rallying their communities in prayer and service. “Our job as the body of Christ is to step into the gap on behalf of our neighbors,” said pastor Ed Amundson, Baptist Press reported.
Traci Byrd, director of Send Relief’s St. Louis Ministry Center, also urged prayer “that our local churches will shine as a light in the darkness.” Southern Baptists are encouraged to support ongoing relief work through Send Relief and their state conventions.
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 this and other ongoing relief efforts in neighboring states, your state and beyond.
See related links below from outlets that contributed to this report:
Relief efforts underway in Missouri and Kentucky following deadly storms – Baptist Report
Residents dig out from tornado damage after storms kill 28 in Kentucky, Missouri and Virginia -Associated Press
Cleanup underway in MO/KY/VA as tornado death toll climbs – The World and Everything in It
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was compiled from news reports by The Baptist Paper.
