Texas Baptist Men volunteers continue to expand disaster relief in South Louisiana as they discover additional needs and receive more appeals for help from residents affected by floods.
In particular, requests for mud-out teams have increased significantly, said Terry Henderson, TBM state disaster relief director.
David Chandler, a Texas Baptist Men disaster relief volunteer from Hemphill, removes damaged paneling from the wall of a home in Lake Arthur, La. (Photo / Ken Camp)So far, five crews have completed more than 40 home clean-up jobs. They have torn out damaged drywall and flooring from about three-dozen residences, provided mold remediation for about the same number of houses and power-washed surfaces in at least nine homes.
Through Aug. 29, the TBM disaster relief workers contributed more than 500 volunteer days and made more than 450 ministry contacts, primarily in Jefferson Davis and Acadia parishes, east of Lake Charles, La.
From their base of operations at First Baptist Church in Jennings, La., TBM volunteers prepared about 1,800 meals and distributed more than 2,100 boxes for residents to collect and store their scattered possessions.
TBM chaplains contacted more than 500 people. Volunteers distributed 75 Bibles and 23 gospel tracts, and they reported at least one profession of faith in Christ so far.
Floods devastated much of South Louisiana. (Photo / Terry Henderson)More than 60 volunteers remain on site in South Louisiana, and both First Baptist and Bethel Baptist churches in Jenning are providing their lodging.
In addition to two pickup truckloads of bottled water and sports drinks from First Baptist Church in West and assorted gifts from individuals, TBM also received a truckload of water, diapers, baby wipes and toiletries from East Gate Missionary Baptist Church in Dallas and a $10,000 donation from Lake Pointe Church in Rockwall.
To contribute to TBM disaster relief, click here or send a check designated “disaster relief” to Texas Baptist Men, 5351 Catron, Dallas 75227.
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The Baptist General Convention of Texas disaster recovery program will respond to long-term needs in the region. For more information, contact Marla Bearden at marla.bearden@texasbaptists.org or (214) 537-7358 or Gerald Davis at gerald.davis@texasbaptists.org or (214) 924-6401.
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