Texans on Mission volunteers deployed on Memorial Day to Amarillo to assist in fire recovery efforts after parts of the Texas Panhandle suffered property losses from a recent major wildfire.
Volunteers began assembling teams focused on fire recovery, heavy machinery, chainsaw work, shower and laundry services, feeding, electronic support, asset protection, box operations, incident management teams, assessors, and chaplain services.
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The Stinky Fire in Potter County at the Amarillo Landfill spread across the area as 30 mph wind gusts drove the fire across property and land, leaving destruction in its wake.
More than 50 homes were destroyed, 25 homes were damaged, and 2,335 acres burned as a result of the wildfires, ABC News reported.
Lost everything
Texans on Mission is clearing debris and preparing foundations for rebuilding.
One fire recovery team worked at the property of John and Rebecca Cunningham, who have lived in Amarillo for 45 years and evacuated before the fire reached their home.
“We could watch the fire rolling over this area,” John said. “From the direction of the wind where the fire started, we were pretty sure we would be hit.”
While their home survived, they lost everything else — their parents’ home, a wood and welding shop, tractors, their son’s auto restoration shop, the barn, and several animals.
Volunteers emphasized prayer and presence are central to the response, helping homeowners feel they are not alone and experience care and support during recovery.
‘We had a lot of help’
“Instead of feeling alone in the journey, we had a lot of help. We’re blessed to be surrounded by people that want to help. … I don’t know how long it would’ve taken us to clean this up,” Rebecca said.
Aimee Freston, director of communications for Texans on Mission, said the volunteers in the area are making a big difference through their service and presence.
“The biggest impact is the prayer and support the volunteers offer to homeowners. It helps them know they are not alone. Through their actions, the homeowners experience the love of Christ,” Freston said.
Sixty-five Texans on Mission volunteers are on-site, with work expected to continue through the end of the week.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Kendall Lyons and originally published by the Baptist Standard.
