TBM helps flood victims in El Paso
Posted: 8/18/06
| TBM volunteer Rey Villanueva tears wet insulation out of an El Paso home. (Photos by John Hall) |
TBM helps flood victims in El Paso
By John Hall
Texas Baptist Communications
EL PASO—As floodwaters began to recede in much of El Paso, Texas Baptist Men volunteers rushed in to help victims of recent storms begin to put their homes back in order.
Working where as much as several feet of water entered homes, trained TBM workers from across the state started removing damaged furniture, belongings and drywall from flooded homes in the southern and western portions of the city.
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| Mary Bess Jackson removes damaged drywall in an El Paso home. |
After removing the wet and damaged items, teams clean the remaining portions of the homes with soap and a disinfectant to help prevent further mold growth. From there, families can begin to rebuild.
Mary Bess Jackson, a member of First Baptist Church in Midlothian, said some families are at a loss for what to do after losing most of their belongings. TBM volunteers are able to listen to their needs, comfort them and share God’s word while cleaning a home.
“Those people need a hope and a future, and God can give it to them through Christ,” she said, as a tear slid down her cheek.
John Nickell, a member of First Baptist Church of Woodway in Waco, said he hopes to help people see a bright future by assisting them in the clean-up. El Paso residents learn firsthand about God’s love through the ministry of Texas Baptist Men, he noted.
“People are hurting everywhere,” he said. “I’ve hurt, and people have helped me. I think God has called us to help our neighbor. There’s no thinking about it—he has called us to help our neighbor. I believe that’s what we should do. If we’re given the talents, the ability and the time to help, we should help.”
TBM’s work has changed lives, said Rey Villanueva, a member of Choate Baptist Church near Kenedy.
One man who lost nearly everything could barely stop crying when the TBM team arrived.
All he could think about was the destruction. TBM volunteers helped the man decide what to keep and what to discard, one object at a time. As they did, they listened to him and ministered to him.
Before the TBM team left after finishing his home, the man prayed with the volunteers. He began to see a future for him and his family, Villanueva said.
“It was just a complete transformation by the time we left,” he said.
To support Texas Baptist Men’s ministry, send checks marked “TBM disaster relief” to 5351 Catron, Dallas 75227. Donations also can be made by calling (214) 381-2800.
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