Texas Baptist Men hope disastrous season is winding down_101804

Posted: 10/15/04

Texas Baptist Men hope
disastrous season is winding down

By John Hall

Texas Baptist Communications

Texas Baptist Men's disastrous fall finally is starting to slow down.

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Posted: 10/15/04

Texas Baptist Men hope
disastrous season is winding down

By John Hall

Texas Baptist Communications

Texas Baptist Men's disastrous fall finally is starting to slow down.

After months of nonstop disaster relief in Florida and Alabama, Texas Baptist Men volunteers are beginning to pull out as the need for assistance wanes. The last emergency food-service unit left Florida Oct. 13. Other units will end their service soon, but teams may be called in to help with the cleaning effort.

“The wrap-up is going to be a long process,” said Leo Smith, the group's executive director. “We're going to be in and out on smaller jobs.”

As Texas Baptist Men teams move out of the area, Florida and Alabama Baptists will continue relief efforts. They will call upon other state conventions when deemed necessary.

TBM mobilized several hundred volunteers for ministry following a series of hurricanes that blasted all of Florida and portions of Alabama.

The workers were part of a widespread effort coordinated by the Southern Baptist Convention North American Mission Board, which activated Christian volunteers who prepared more than 3 million meals.

This effort tested the coordinating agencies involved. Volunteers were moved in and out of the state several times as storms came and went.

This series of trials pressed the American Red Cross and the North American Mission Board, both of which were in transition. TBM's disaster relief fund was drained.

Smith praised the volunteers for their eagerness to serve and for their flexibility.

Texas Baptists played a wide range of roles in making the relief effort happen.

"The thing that always grips my heart is the people of Texas who work with Texas Baptist Men were willing to go," he said. "Sometimes they would wash their clothes and be ready to go again. It shows a will that is hard to break."

The Texas Baptist Men office continues to receive notes from people in Florida who appreciate the volunteers' ministry, he noted.

The workers' faith in action will serve as an example for many who saw them for a long time, Smith added.

“I think that's a message that will ring far and true,” he said.

To support this effort, send checks designated “disaster relief” to Texas Baptist Men, 333 N. Washington Ave., Dallas 75246.

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