Pastor Mike Hammonds of First Baptist Church Sunbright, Tennessee, was on his way to Big Emory Baptist Association in Harriman on April 2 to teach a course when he received a call from his wife informing him a tornado had just hit the small town in Morgan County.
Hammonds immediately turned around and returned home. The church and parsonage received minor damage but the funeral home — Schubert’s Funeral Home — next to the church received major damage as did other buildings and homes near the church.
RELATED: Check out more stories on Disaster Relief efforts here.
No one was killed or seriously injured in the storm, according to a Knoxville television station report.
Roads were blocked but several volunteers from the church joined others in the community to tarp homes with damaged roofs and to help clear roads so the electric company could restore power.
Stepping up to help
Church members rallied together the following day to provide lunch and dinner to first responders and other volunteers in the community who were helping those who received major damage.
“I am proud at how the community has come together,” the pastor said. “I made a few phone calls and people stepped up to help.”
Hammonds, who has been with the church for eight years, was not surprised by the response of FBC members. “The church responded well. They always do.”
He noted three or four members of the church had homes that were damaged. Church member Mandy Hooper’s home was not damaged but she had two other buildings that were. “It was unbelievable how much damage was done in such a small area,” she said.
Hammonds said he has been in contact with the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board and Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief.
“We will continue to assess damages to see what else needs to be done and if we need additional help,” Hammonds added.
Mercy and protection
Trinity Hicks, a recent newcomer to the community from California who has visited the church, took advantage of the meal offered at First Baptist.
Though she had lived through earthquakes and fires in California, this was her first experience in a tornado.
Not knowing exactly what to do, she and her son took refuge in a closet when they heard the tornado alarm. “We were excited, but clueless,” she laughed.
She added that they prayed for mercy and protection for themselves and the community. “I told the Lord that I trusted Him,” she said.
Hammonds expressed appreciation to Tennessee Baptists and others for their prayers and offered to help if needed.
“We look forward to seeing what God is going to do for this community,” he said.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This article was written by Lonnie Wilkey and was originally published by the Baptist and Reflector, news service of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board.
