TBM volunteers respond to disasters in East Texas and Oklahoma

Texas Baptist Men chainsaw volunteers and other disaster relief workers responded to needs in East Texas and Oklahoma. (TBM photo)

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LINDALE—Texas Baptist Men disaster relief crews responded to needs in Lindale after tornadoes swept through parts of East Texas, and in Yukon, Okla., when an ice storm laid havoc to homes.

Six volunteers with chainsaws and heavy equipment worked to clear debris and tree limbs in Lindale after a tornado hit the area Dec. 12.

Ben Moberley of Spring Branch, coordinator of TBM’s chainsaw crews, reported “a good two to three days’ work” in the area, totaling four chainsaw jobs and eight hours of heavy-equipment work. 

First Baptist Church in Lindale provided food and lodging for the volunteers.

Twenty TBM volunteers worked in Yukon, said Ralph Rogers of Amarillo, vice president of TBM disaster relief ministries. The response began Dec. 4 and included three chainsaw crews, two skid-steer teams and a heavy-equipment crew. 

As of Dec. 16, TBM volunteers completed 104 jobs, including clearing debris, trimming trees and removing fallen branches and limbs from homes. They also distributed 72 Bibles and made 58 ministry contacts. They presented the gospel message of salvation at least eight times, and two people made professions of faith in Christ as a result of the volunteers’ witness.

“Once again, Texas Baptist Men volunteers have answered the call to provide help to hurting people,” Rogers said. “God was still at work, and TBM volunteers were dedicated to the task of sharing the love of Jesus.”


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