As Baptists in other states look to support relief efforts, Texans on Mission has deployed two mass feeding units to meet needs in the shadow of the vast power outage caused by Hurricane Beryl in recent days.
The missions organization formerly known as Texas Baptist Men also has three chainsaw teams working to remove trees from homes and cars, as well as to give people access to their houses.
“The power outage is devastating for people, and the scope of this problem is hard to fathom,” said David Wells, Texans on Mission’s disaster relief director. “Because of the absence of power, it becomes very difficult for people to have adequate, healthy food.
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“We’ve been asked to prepare 10,000 meals a day in the Houston area, and we are now ramping up to that level. This morning (July 10), our volunteers began working at 5 a.m. to serve in the name of Christ. As they cook, they’re praying over the meals, many of which are going to churches to share the gospel.”
‘As many people as possible’
John Hall, Texans on Mission chief mission officer, said, “We are making sure that under-resourced communities are receiving the meals we are preparing. Right now, many people are suffering. We want to make sure to minister and care for as many people as possible. We’re thankful to partner with the National Baptist Convention of America to make that happen.”
Chainsaw teams are dealing with needs described as Priority 1 — where trees have been downed on homes or cars or blocked access to homes. Priority 2 and 3 jobs will be done later.
“Three chainsaw teams in the area quickly deployed after the storm to help remove fallen trees and limbs from homes, cars and driveways,” Wells said. “These volunteers were quick on the scene, and others from throughout the state will be joining them soon because recovery from this storm is going to take a while.”
A Texans on Mission incident management team is being set up at First Baptist Church Brazoria, along with a mobile shower and laundry unit to serve the chainsaw teams.
“God has blessed Texans on Mission with the equipment that helps our volunteers bring the love of Christ to people in need,” Wells said. “It is great to watch these men and women at work in service to others in the name of Christ.”
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Ferrell Foster and originally published by Baptist Standard.
