While the assessment of hurricane Laura's damage is just beginning, so far it appears our area was spared severe impact. I've heard from about 30% of our churches so far, with a few reporting minor damage to some facilities and homes and numerous fallen trees. Most have received very slight to no damage. If you (pastors and staff) have yet to check in, please check your email for our check in survey link or give us a call.
At present both state conventions will have chainsaw / recovery units working in our area. Texas Baptist Men will have units working out of North Orange Baptist Church. SBTC will have units working from Liberty Baptist in Bridge City and Calvary Church Beaumont. Teams from several churches are also serving throughout the area.
GTBN has set up a dedicated disaster referral number, 409-812-5638. Persons needing assistance with chainsaw / recovery or temporary roof repairs may call this number. We will gather their information and relay it to the closest disaster response team to their location. As you pass the number along, remind them that all SBC Disaster Relief personnel are trained and provide their services free of charge. If you are part of a team working from your church, and you come across a situation requiring heavy equipment or rigging, please pass that need on to our SBC DR units as they are equipped for such assignments.
GTBN Disaster Relief Referral Number
409-812-5638
Yesterday I spoke with my counterpart in Lake Charles, Dr. Bruce Baker. He says that they are early in their assessment, but the damage east of the Sabine is substantial. He is working to have Louisiana Disaster Relief crews deployed. Once they are and he knows where additional pockets of need are, he will let us know. He expects several congregations will need assistance over time with clean-up and recovery. Carey Baptist Association stood with us during Harvey. It will be great for us to stand with them now.
Today I will survey the damage across GTBN, beginning with Orange County and those churches I have not yet heard from. Please let us know of any assistance you require, and if you see a home that looks as if our teams could help them, pass along our referral number. Remember, all SBC Disaster Relief teams present a clear gospel message with the families they serve.
The storm is past, but you remain in my prayers.
Bro. Jim
At present both state conventions will have chainsaw / recovery units working in our area. Texas Baptist Men will have units working out of North Orange Baptist Church. SBTC will have units working from Liberty Baptist in Bridge City and Calvary Church Beaumont. Teams from several churches are also serving throughout the area.
GTBN has set up a dedicated disaster referral number, 409-812-5638. Persons needing assistance with chainsaw / recovery or temporary roof repairs may call this number. We will gather their information and relay it to the closest disaster response team to their location. As you pass the number along, remind them that all SBC Disaster Relief personnel are trained and provide their services free of charge. If you are part of a team working from your church, and you come across a situation requiring heavy equipment or rigging, please pass that need on to our SBC DR units as they are equipped for such assignments.
Yesterday I spoke with my counterpart in Lake Charles, Dr. Bruce Baker. He says that they are early in their assessment, but the damage east of the Sabine is substantial. He is working to have Louisiana Disaster Relief crews deployed. Once they are and he knows where additional pockets of need are, he will let us know. He expects several congregations will need assistance over time with clean-up and recovery. Carey Baptist Association stood with us during Harvey. It will be great for us to stand with them now.
Today I will survey the damage across GTBN, beginning with Orange County and those churches I have not yet heard from. Please let us know of any assistance you require, and if you see a home that looks as if our teams could help them, pass along our referral number. Remember, all SBC Disaster Relief teams present a clear gospel message with the families they serve.
The storm is past, but you remain in my prayers.
Bro. Jim