Recovery ministry continue across southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana. To date fourteen GTBN congregations have reported damage to their facilities, with six damaged significantly enough to displace ministries. Recovery plans for most are moving along, with only one congregation so far saying their needs will exceed their means.
With utilities mostly restored on the Texas side of the river, we have little need for recovery supplies. Great need remains, however, for clean-up, chainsaw, and blue tarp teams around Bridge City and Orange. GTBN uses Crisis Cleanup to manage all such projects not otherwise referred to SBC Disaster Relief units. If you would like to deploy a team and are not already registered with Crisis Cleanup, please notify us and we will send you an invitation. To request a clean-up or recovery team, call the GTBN referral line at 409-812-5638.
On the Louisiana side of the Sabine much work remains. The Louisiana Baptist Convention reports that 140 churches sustained damage from the hurricane, 38 of them severely. Forty-three pastors had damage to their homes. Dr. Bruce Baker, Director of Missions for the Carey Baptist Association, reports that some of the churches affected may not recover. He says the greatest need today is for chainsaw, clean-up and temporary roof teams.
With utilities mostly restored on the Texas side of the river, we have little need for recovery supplies. Great need remains, however, for clean-up, chainsaw, and blue tarp teams around Bridge City and Orange. GTBN uses Crisis Cleanup to manage all such projects not otherwise referred to SBC Disaster Relief units. If you would like to deploy a team and are not already registered with Crisis Cleanup, please notify us and we will send you an invitation. To request a clean-up or recovery team, call the GTBN referral line at 409-812-5638.
On the Louisiana side of the Sabine much work remains. The Louisiana Baptist Convention reports that 140 churches sustained damage from the hurricane, 38 of them severely. Forty-three pastors had damage to their homes. Dr. Bruce Baker, Director of Missions for the Carey Baptist Association, reports that some of the churches affected may not recover. He says the greatest need today is for chainsaw, clean-up and temporary roof teams.
So, how can you help?
Financial Contributions
The giving options have not changed since the last update. You may give directly to the Carey Baptist Association’s efforts in and around Lake Charles through this link.
Carey Baptist Association Disaster Relief Donations
Carey Baptist Association Disaster Relief Donations
Finally you may support the continued efforts of Texas Baptist Men and Southern Baptist of Texas Disaster Relief ministries through these links.
Give to TBM Disaster Relief
Give to SB Texas Disaster Relief
Supplies
Pastor Sonny Hathaway and LaBelle Baptist Church have accepted responsibility as our local depot for supplies going into Louisiana. If your church has collected supplies and you need help transporting them to Louisiana, please contact Bro. Sonny at 409-728-2442 or sonnyhathaway@gmail.com.
There has been some change to the list of needed supplies since my last update. The revised list includes:
Our delivery points in Louisiana include Crossroads Baptist Church in Vinton, New Hope Baptist Church in DeQuincy, and First Baptist Church in Sulphur. All would welcome the supplies and distribute them through their own and neighboring churches.
Trucks from outside of southeast Texas should deliver their supplies directly to designated sites in Louisiana.
There has been some change to the list of needed supplies since my last update. The revised list includes:
- Pet Food
- Fix-a-Flat
- Baby items, diapers, formula, baby food, and wipes
- Mosquito repellent, spray or wipes (people really love the wipes)
- Non-perishable food
- Box fans
- Water (not as highly needed as before, but welcome)
Our delivery points in Louisiana include Crossroads Baptist Church in Vinton, New Hope Baptist Church in DeQuincy, and First Baptist Church in Sulphur. All would welcome the supplies and distribute them through their own and neighboring churches.
Trucks from outside of southeast Texas should deliver their supplies directly to designated sites in Louisiana.
Volunteer
Conditions are slowly improving across southwest Louisiana, but there are only a few places for teams to stay overnight in the Lake Charles area. That said, there remains a great need for chainsaw, temporary roof, and clean-up teams. A couple of GTBN churches as well as Shepherd’s Inn have informed me of their willingness to provide lodging for teams working in either Orange county or into Louisiana. If you are coming into the area and need housing assistance, we can facilitate that connection. If you have a self-sustaining team (ie: you have made provision for your housing, meals, equipment and supplies) please contact me. I will connect you to Dr. Baker for placement and assignments. Likewise, any GTBN churches seeking day-work in the Lake Charles area can contact me for connection to Dr. Baker.
The North American Mission Board still plans to bring Send Relief volunteers here in October. As those details are announced I will pass them on. And Samaritans Purse continues their work in Louisiana as well. You may connect with them through SamaritansPurse.org.
The North American Mission Board still plans to bring Send Relief volunteers here in October. As those details are announced I will pass them on. And Samaritans Purse continues their work in Louisiana as well. You may connect with them through SamaritansPurse.org.
Church to Church
I am grateful for the positive response from churches across GTBN to our partnership efforts in Louisiana. At present three GTBN congregations have committed to extended relationships with Louisiana churches affected by hurricane Laura. Yesterday I completed a survey of all the churches we’ve been asked to assist. Tomorrow I meet with Dr. Baker for some final information. There is plenty of work for those who have asked about partnering with a Louisiana church. Please remember, as a partner you do not have to meet every need, but you may be a channel for God’s provision. Your prayers and encouragement are most valued.
Conclusion
I continue to rejoice at the Lord’s work through His church! Even amidst COVID 19 and our own losses through Laura, men and women from across GTBN are rising from the pews to serve their neighbors in Christ’s name. And as they serve they share the gospel. I’ve seen it. I’ve heard it. Like you I’ve wept with those who’ve lost everything and the comfort I had to give was that of a risen Savior.
So that’s the update. If there is a need or resource I am missing, please let me know in the comments. And remember, we’re better together!
Blessings,
Bro.Jim
So that’s the update. If there is a need or resource I am missing, please let me know in the comments. And remember, we’re better together!
Blessings,
Bro.Jim