More than 2o volunteers began working March 6 for cleanup and fire recovery in the Oklahoma panhandle, confirmed Jason Yarbrough, Disaster Relief director for Oklahoma Baptists.
Southern Baptists of Texas Convention Disaster Relief volunteers have prepared more than 1,000 meals, while assessors, chaplains, incident management team members, and clean-up and recovery workers are continuing their efforts.
Southern Baptists continue to respond to devastating wildfires in Texas and Oklahoma. “People have lost everything they own. They’re looking for help. But they’re also looking for hope for the days ahead,” a volunteer in Texas said.
“I think we did what we were supposed to do, nothing spectacular, but what I think Jesus would have done. I have spoken to pastors and told them ministry is dirty. If you’re doing it right, it’s dirty,” said the church pastor.
“In much of the country, city infrastructure has been destroyed. People have fled those cities. What global Christians can pursue now is building homes and churches in western Ukrainian cities…”
For most congregations and associations, a disaster response is rooted in a reactive, compassionate response to needs. Whether from personal connections, social media or other media, hearts are moved to “do something.”
More than 100 people are confirmed dead and hundreds more are missing. Meanwhile Southern Baptist partners are providing food and ready to provide further assistance as needed.
On her knees in the midst of the dirt and debris left behind in her flooded home, Saphina Khalfan cried out to God for help.
Within a minute, she heard voices outside. They were Texas Baptist Men volunteers coming to help.
