TBM prepares to serve flood victims in Louisiana

Deadly floods that claimed at least 11 lives affected more than 40,000 homes in Louisiana, Gov. John Bel Edwards said. Denham Springs is among the hardest-hit cities in flooding across south Louisiana. (Photo / La. Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness)

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Texas Baptist Men mobilized disaster relief volunteers to serve victims of floods in southern Louisiana that damaged or destroyed at least 40,000 homes.

TBM plans to move its mobile command post to First Baptist Church in Jennings, La., Aug. 21, and the incident command team hopes to begin work the next day, TBM Disaster Relief Director Terry Henderson said.

Terry Henderson 125Terry Henderson “If the water begins to recede, we will bring in a feeding unit and assessors, plus chaplains,” Henderson said.

Later, TBM plans to follow up with mud-out crews, who will remove damaged drywall and flooring and disinfect flood-damaged homes, along with volunteers who will distribute boxes residents can use to reclaim scattered belongings.

When Henderson visited the area Aug. 16, he learned 5,000 people had been evacuated from Jefferson Davis Parish, east of Lake Charles, La.

“There are still 1,000 or more stranded in the areas that were not able to get out,” he said.

To contribute to TBM disaster relief, click here or send a check designated “disaster relief” to Texas Baptist Men, 5351 Catron, Dallas 75227.

Victim Relief Ministries also is deploying chaplains and crisis responders to Louisiana. The team plans to establish a command post at a church in Denham Springs, La., to provide physical, emotional and spiritual support to flood-affected individuals.

Meanwhile, a Central Texas church established a fund to encourage giving to disaster relief efforts in Louisiana. First Baptist Church in Austin will match donations up to $10,000 and give all money raised to the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Louisiana, which will oversee distribution of the funds. 


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“This event is especially close to our hearts, because our new senior pastor, Dr. Griff Martin, recently moved from University Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, and we have members in our congregation who are from some of the hardest-hit areas,” said Amie King, media coordinator at First Baptist Church in Austin.

To contribute to the First Helps Fund, click here


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