Oklahoma Baptist DR responds to severe storms
Baptist Messenger Staff
Over the Fourth of July weekend, an unexpected surge of severe storms brought damaging winds and flooding across the state. Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief (DR) received almost 550 work requests from the Norman and Bartlesville areas.
Work response sites have been set up at Bethel Baptist in Norman and First Baptist Batesville to host Oklahoma Baptist DR teams as they go out to serve communities affected by the storms. Additionally, teams from Texas and Arkansas have joined the response with teams from Louisiana scheduled to arrive next week.
“We’re grateful to be able to partner with our sister entities to serve (those affected) as we serve one another,” said Jason Yarbrough, director of Oklahoma Baptist DR. “Thank you for your continued prayers and your support as it allows us to bring help, hope and healing in all different situations.”
2026 has seen an uptick in severe storm activity. In late April, a series of damaging tornadoes caused widespread damage in multiple areas and in late February, wildfires spread across northern Oklahoma, burning thousands of acres. Amid the devastation and wreckage, Oklahoma Baptist DR volunteers stepped up to serve.
“This ministry is such a blessing,” said Caleb Jernigan, pastor of First Bartlesville. “I’m grateful for the way that these men and women tirelessly bless and serve others.”
Along with caring for the physical needs of storm victims, Oklahoma Baptist DR also tends to their spiritual needs. As they work, volunteers share the Gospel to communities and gift them small Bibles.
“I had the pleasure of meeting three of the most pleasant, God-loving, kind, wonderful, hardworking men I’ve encountered since moving to Bartlesville,” said Gail, a resident in Bartlesville. “You’ll never fully know the gift you have given me. I felt your prayers and the Bible was such a beautiful gift.”
For more information about Oklahoma Baptist DR or to submit a service request, visit http://www.okdisasterhelp.org/.
Texans on Mission monitoring Hill Country flooding
By Kendall Lyons/Baptist Standard
Texans on Mission is monitoring closely the flood emergency unfolding in the Hill Country region.
Olivia Turner, content specialist for Texans on Mission, confirmed disaster relief leadership is keeping up with developments regarding areas impacted by flooding and preparing to respond.
“TXM Disaster Relief leadership has been in constant communication with local officials and church partners in the affected areas,” Turner said. “All our teams are ready to respond. We’re looking at Uvalde and multiple locations across the Hill Country. We are ready to move in as soon as possible.”
Camps in the area – including Alto Frio Baptist Encampment – have reported no issues as of Thursday morning (July 16).
One person is dead as a result of massive flooding in the Hill Country area.
Areas affected by major thunderstorms and ongoing rainfall include the Guadalupe River, Sabinas Creek, Cypress Creek, Turtle Creek, Cherry Creek, Verde Creek, Joshua Creek and several other creeks and drainages throughout Kerr and Kendall counties, according to KXAS-TV.
The National Weather Service reported the Guadalupe River rose to 32 feet in four hours. Some areas reported rain rates of 2 to 4 inches an hour, causing roadways and rain-saturated areas to be covered in several feet of water.
In July 2025, flash floods killed 104 people, including 28 children in Kerr County. Ten girls and a counselor from Camp Mystic were reported missing as a result.
Roads were washed out and area businesses were destroyed after more than 12 inches of rain fell within 12 hours.
