Texas Baptists plan return to Oklahoma after devastating tornadoes

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MOORE, Okla.—Less than two months shy of the two-year anniversary a tornado that devastated Moore, Okla., twisters returned to the state, and Texas Baptists began to make plans to help the affected area.

The storms left one dead and dozens injured across the state. They caused damage in several cities, including Moore, and massive devastation in the Tulsa area.

tulsa tornadoes drill425Since June 2013, Texas Baptist Disaster Recovery has been mobilizing volunteers in response to tornado damage in both Moore and Shawnee, Okla. (BGCT Photos)Since June 2013, Texas Baptist Disaster Recovery has been mobilizing volunteers in response to tornado damage in both Moore and Shawnee, Okla. From cleaning up debris to working in donation centers to rebuilding homes, Texas Baptists have helped cities on their road to recovery.

Texas Baptist Disaster Recovery specializes in long-term recovery in the weeks, months and years following a disaster. The program partners with local churches, associations and other long-term recovery teams to mobilize volunteers and gather donated items and funds.

In the most recent round of severe storms, Tulsa received the most damage, and Texas Baptist Disaster Recovery has begun developing plans to involve volunteers in the city’s recovery.

oklahoma bounce425The Texas Baptist ministry’s student segment, Bounce Student Disaster Recovery, has scheduled a mission opportunity to Tulsa July 27 to Aug. 1, and it has scheduled a mission trip to Moore July 13-18 to help finish framing houses. The program provides the opportunity for student ministries to help communities bounce back from devastation and encourages servant hood and leadership.

David Scott, director of Bounce, said coordination for student lodging and project assignments in Oklahoma both are underway.

“We have a number of long-term ministry relationships in Oklahoma, both in Moore and Tulsa,” Scott said. 

lovingokla cleanup425Bounce Student Disaster Recovery has scheduled a mission opportunity to Tulsa, Okla., July 27 to Aug. 1, and a mission trip to Moore, Okla., July 13-18.“We have already had student ministers who are interested in mission opportunities in Tulsa and in Moore. We look forward to mobilizing students into both communities to serve our Oklahoma neighbors in their recovery efforts.”


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For more information on Bounce and to see all its mission opportunities, visit texasbaptists.org/bounce. For up-to-date information on all volunteer opportunities through Texas Baptist Disaster Recovery, visit texasbaptists.org/disaster and sign up for the volunteer corps or contact Marla Bearden at [email protected].


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