TBM meets needs in the Valley after Hurricane Hanna

  |  Source: Texas Baptist Men

TBM mud-out volunteers from First Baptist Church in San Antonio work in the Rio Grande Valley after Hurricane Hanna. (TBM Photo)

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WESLACO—Texas Baptist Men disaster relief teams are continuing to meet needs across the lower Rio Grande Valley in the aftermath of Hurricane Hanna.

Corky Houchard from First Baptist Church in Frisco works with a TBM mud-out crew in the Rio Grande Valley after Hurricane Hanna. (TBM Photo)

Hurricane Hanna made landfall along the Texas coast as a Category 1 storm and poured rain across the lower Rio Grande Valley, knocking power out to thousands, knocking over trees and flooding homes.

A TBM chainsaw team, mud-out teams, emergency food-service team, shower and laundry unit, chaplains and an incident management team are serving in the region. Based at First Baptist Church in Weslaco, TBM volunteers are delivering help, hope and healing from Brownsville to Weslaco, leaders of the group said.

“We have amazing volunteers who will respond even in the midst of a pandemic,” said Dwain Carter, director of TBM disaster relief. “They saw people in need and stepped up to help. This is their calling. They are sharing the love of Christ.”

Curt Neal leads a TBM mud-out crew from First Baptist Church in San Antonio as they work on a home in the Weslaco area. (TBM Photo)

TBM retooled its protocols and procedures to serve safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Volunteers are wearing face masks, practicing social distancing where possible and have their temperature checked daily.

The teams’ work is having an impact today and into eternity, Carter said.

“We’re removing fallen limbs,” he said. “We’re cleaning out homes and eliminating mold. Yesterday alone, four people professed Christ as their Savior for the first time. People are finding healing through a relationship with Christ.”

Carter thanked First Baptist Church for hosting the volunteers.

“First Baptist Church in Weslaco is always stellar to host us every time we’re here,” Carter said. “They are a pillar of this community. They seek to meet needs and share the gospel every chance they get. We’re honored to partner with them.”


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To support TBM disaster relief financially, click on TBMTX.org/donate or mail a check to Texas Baptist Men, 5351 Catron Drive, Dallas, TX 75227.


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