Responding to Hurricane Isaac

We praise God that Hurricane Isaac has not wreaked havoc to the same degree as Hurricane Katrina seven years ago. Nevertheless, as the storm camped out on the Gulf Coast it brought flooding and winds that caused many to seek shelter from the storm. These families may return to find their homes flooded and treasured possessions damaged. Check out the following opportunities to give, pray and serve:

From the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship:
While volunteer opportunities are expected to emerge in the coming weeks, the best way to help now is to give online to CBF's disaster relief fund. Stay up-to-date with the latest response news at CBF's disaster response online community. Specifically check out the network for responses to Hurricane Isaac. Currently, CBF disaster response personnel are reconnecting with hurricane response partners and encouraging Fellowship Baptists in affected areas to prepare their homes and churches for Isaac's landfall.  

From the Southern Baptist Convention:
For information on the SBC's physical response coordinated through the North American Mission Board, read this article. Southern Baptists and others who want to donate to the disaster relief operations can contact their state conventions or contribute to NAMB's disaster relief fund via namb.net/disaster-relief-donations. Other ways to donate are to call 1-866-407-NAMB (6262) or mail checks to NAMB, P.O. Box 116543, Atlanta, GA 30368-6543.

Shelters:

Volunteers with the American Red Cross were ready Tuesday at a shelter at Faith Baptist Church in DeSoto. American Red Cross spokeswoman Anita Foster says shelters also have been set up at St. Louis Baptist Church in Tyler and Williams Memorial United Methodist Church in Texarkana, Texas. Each shelter can accommodate about 150 people. (Source:

http://www.wbrz.com/news/3-texas-shelters-open-for-isaac-evacuees/)

Disaster Relief Opportunities

One of VRBC's denominational partners is making a big difference in areas that have been hard-hit by fires. Read on about opportunities to serve with the Baptist General Convention of Texas in the coming weeks.

 

Texas Baptist Disaster Recovery 

 

Bastrop County - One Year Later

 

September 4th marks the one year anniversary of the Bastrop County Complex Fire, a massive wildfire that struck Bastrop County, TX. The fire destroyed 1691 homes, 38 businesses, burned over 34,000 acres. Two people lost their lives. This was the largest fire in Texas history, the third largest in US history. Approximately 276 of the homes destroyed had no insurance, 52% of all homes destroyed were underinsured. Over 700 of these homes are considered low income.

 

This event opened up a huge ministry field for Texas Baptists Disaster Recovery. Many churches and BSM groups have volunteered. More volunteers are needed. Meals, lodging and volunteer opportunities are available at the Faith Village Volunteer Center located at FBC Smithville. Go to www.texasbaptists.org/disaster for more information and to find out how you can help.

• Pastor, Harold Welch, of Primera Baptist Church in Bastrop has discovered a few fire survivors who don't fit the traditional mold for assistance. If it were not for Pastor Welch and his loving heart and commitment these folks would not be getting any kind of help at all. Find out how to help Pastor Welch and "the least of these" by contacting Marla Bearden at 214-537-7358.

• The Bastrop County Fire Relief Center, 201 Childers, suite 107, A non-profit organization continuing to serve the fire survivors with donated goods, furniture and appliances. Many of our churches and BSM Groups have volunteered in this center. Their Annual Fundraising event is Saturday, September 8th located on the parking lot of the center. There will be live music, silent auction, moonwalk, BBQ and much more. For more information contact Ruth Rogers at 512-629-9504.
   
• The Bastrop County Longer Term Recovery Team will commemorate this anniversary with a "Night Of Hope" at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa on Tuesday, September 4th. They will look at the past year and see how far they have come in recovery. Keynote speaker will be Juddy Maggio, anchor at KEYE, a local TV station in Austin. Tickets are $75 each. Contact Marla on how to get tickets.

 

Need for Volunteers in Mannford, Oklahoma

 

The Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma Disaster Relief Director, has asked Texas Baptist Men Disaster Relief to assist them by deploying ash-out and chainsaw teams. He is asking for 7 teams of 8-10 volunteers to work in Mannford, Oklahoma (near Tulsa). He reports that there is ample work for experienced ash-out teams.

 

In addition, this is a GREAT opportunity to get volunteers some ash-out experience. He says that he will pair inexperienced volunteers with experienced ash-out volunteers.

• Housing will be in local Baptist churches 
• OK Baptist Men feeding volunteers are providing meals 

His hope is for a quick response in light of the fact that the heart of hurricane season is upon us. Teams are needed beginning Thursday, August 16. We hope to complete all work by August 31.

 

 

 

Texas Baptist Men has asked that if any Church Groups and BSM Groups would like to go and work with the TBM trained volunteers, contact TBMDR's Volunteer Coordinator, Cookie Slate. The cost will be your transportation expense. Lodging and meals will be provided.

 

If you are available to respond in any of the expected time frame, please email VolunteerDR@texasbaptistmen.org or call Cookie Slate, 972-754-4734.