Recovery continues southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana. Baptist Disaster Relief crews along with local church, business, and non-profit teams continue serving throughout our communities. As power gradually returns, people are trickling home to find damage not previously known. Consequently the requests for assistance are increasing. If you expect to have teams working this weekend, let me know. There is plenty to be done.
You can add two additional congregations to the list of damaged churches across our mission field. Templo Bautista in Beaumont sustained damage from a fallen tree. Crews are assigned to remove the tree and tarp the roof, but the church will require assistance with the restoration. Also, though Trinity Baptist in Orange is not part of the GTBN, they are family. I was informed today that a tree fell into pastor Ryan Chandler's home. He and his family are safe, and they have temporary housing. But pray for them as they work through all the details of restoring their home.
As I mentioned in the video Monday night, I met Tuesday morning with my counterpart in Lake Charles, Bruce Baker. He says the Disaster Relief infrastructure there is finally coming together. As of Tuesday, most phones (landline and cell), electric, and most other public services are still down, complication communication with the pastors. The said the greatest need now is for chainsaw / yard clean-up and temporary roof crews. These crews must be self sufficient as there is currently no local resource for receiving or housing volunteers. There is a need for meals, but he is discouraging feeding groups that come in or out. They need a feeding group that is self-sustaining and can stay for a while.
They are in the process of setting up warehouses to receive donated items. The first is up and functioning in Lake Charles. By weeks ends warehouses should be in place, with forklifts on premises, at Venton, Sulphur, and Westlake. When I have exact locations I will pass that along. Requested items include bottled water, gasoline in cans (please transport safely), diapers and wipes. As the distribution system develops and new items are added, I will share that with you.
One more note. The associations across Texas most affected by Harvey have partnered together with the Carey and Beauregard Baptist Associations to assure no church or community falls through the cracks. We hope to foster church to church partnerships, walking with them throughout the recovery. Bruce asked that GTBN take responsibility for the areas of Vinton, Starks, and DeQuency. I have already visited Vinton, connecting with two pastors Tuesday. They are hurting and welcome our partnership.
I realize that your church may already have a connection elsewhere near Lake Charles, and we certainly do not want to impede those partnerships. So, later this week you will receive a survey asking about your current level of engagement in Louisiana, and whether these are short term or long term commitments. Along with that I hope to share more information on what our partnerships in the assigned area of Calcasieu Parish might look like.
I'll have more to share as the week unfolds. Thank you for your bold witness for the savior during this time, and for your perseverance. In many ways we're still licking our own wounds as we reach out across the river. May our perseverance please the Savior.
Bro. Jim
GTBN Disaster Relief Referral Number
409-812-5638
You can add two additional congregations to the list of damaged churches across our mission field. Templo Bautista in Beaumont sustained damage from a fallen tree. Crews are assigned to remove the tree and tarp the roof, but the church will require assistance with the restoration. Also, though Trinity Baptist in Orange is not part of the GTBN, they are family. I was informed today that a tree fell into pastor Ryan Chandler's home. He and his family are safe, and they have temporary housing. But pray for them as they work through all the details of restoring their home.
As I mentioned in the video Monday night, I met Tuesday morning with my counterpart in Lake Charles, Bruce Baker. He says the Disaster Relief infrastructure there is finally coming together. As of Tuesday, most phones (landline and cell), electric, and most other public services are still down, complication communication with the pastors. The said the greatest need now is for chainsaw / yard clean-up and temporary roof crews. These crews must be self sufficient as there is currently no local resource for receiving or housing volunteers. There is a need for meals, but he is discouraging feeding groups that come in or out. They need a feeding group that is self-sustaining and can stay for a while.
They are in the process of setting up warehouses to receive donated items. The first is up and functioning in Lake Charles. By weeks ends warehouses should be in place, with forklifts on premises, at Venton, Sulphur, and Westlake. When I have exact locations I will pass that along. Requested items include bottled water, gasoline in cans (please transport safely), diapers and wipes. As the distribution system develops and new items are added, I will share that with you.
One more note. The associations across Texas most affected by Harvey have partnered together with the Carey and Beauregard Baptist Associations to assure no church or community falls through the cracks. We hope to foster church to church partnerships, walking with them throughout the recovery. Bruce asked that GTBN take responsibility for the areas of Vinton, Starks, and DeQuency. I have already visited Vinton, connecting with two pastors Tuesday. They are hurting and welcome our partnership.
I realize that your church may already have a connection elsewhere near Lake Charles, and we certainly do not want to impede those partnerships. So, later this week you will receive a survey asking about your current level of engagement in Louisiana, and whether these are short term or long term commitments. Along with that I hope to share more information on what our partnerships in the assigned area of Calcasieu Parish might look like.
I'll have more to share as the week unfolds. Thank you for your bold witness for the savior during this time, and for your perseverance. In many ways we're still licking our own wounds as we reach out across the river. May our perseverance please the Savior.
Bro. Jim