Texas Baptist Men volunteers are meeting needs across the state after tornadoes and fires disrupted the lives of many Texans.
TBM chainsaw and shower/laundry teams are serving in Taylor, Jacksboro and Gilmer after tornadoes struck each location March 21 as part of a wave of storms that swept across the South. Up to 25 tornadoes touched down in the Lone Star State.
Pastor’s home destroyed
Jack Maddox, pastor of First Baptist Church in Jacksboro, said his community is determined to push forward.
“We’re good,” he said. “The sun is out. We are recognizing what has taken place and what we need to do to recover. We had no loss of life, which is miraculous.”
In addition to bringing in volunteers to clear trees and limbs off houses, TBM provided an RV for the pastor and his family to stay in after the storm demolished their home.
“We never stopped to wonder if Texas Baptist Men would be here,” Maddox said. “We knew Southern Baptist disaster relief would be here. We’re grateful.”
‘Saddest day of most people’s lives’
The tornadoes arrived on top of widespread wildfires. The Eastland Complex fires have consumed more than 54,000 acres. The blazes did considerable damage in Carbon, where more than 20 homes essentially were burned to the ground.
“It’s a complete disaster,” said Roger Weeks, part of a TBM fire recovery team working in Carbon. “It’s the saddest day of most people’s lives. They’ve lost everything.”
In addition to the fire recovery team, a TBM laundry team is washing and drying the laundry of area volunteers and firefighters.
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“When needs arise, God calls his people to step up and meet them,” TBM Executive Director/CEO Mickey Lenamon said. “Please pray for our neighbors who have been impacted by these disasters, as well as those who are responding. The damage is widespread. People are hurting. In the middle of it all, TBM volunteers are delivering help, hope and healing.”
To support TBM disaster relief financially, give online at TBMTX.org/donate or mail a check to Texas Baptist Men, 5351 Catron Drive, Dallas TX 75227.
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