[1]EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated.
NASHVILLE (BP) – A storm system that has moved across much of the U.S. is wreaking havoc on millions as snow, sleet and freezing rain are leaving many without electricity and unable to travel.
Send Relief is currently working with Baptist state disaster relief teams to assess needs and availability.
“Every affected state has teams on standby for response with some teams already in response, but hazardous road conditions may delay SBDR teams in some areas in their ability to deploy,” Coy Webb, crisis response director for Send Relief told Baptist Press.
Webb said current teams in action are:
- In Arkansas, where teams are supporting a warming center in Saline County
- In Louisiana, where a team is working with the American Red Cross at a warming center
- In Texas, where Texans on Mission is working with local churches to feed the homeless and provide shelter
“Send Relief and Southern Baptist Disaster Relief leaders have continued to monitor the historic winter storm sweeping across the US and have been in communication with government and partner organizations,” said Webb.
At mid-afternoon Sunday (Jan. 25), NBC news reported [2] that two Louisiana men had died due to hypothermia and that more than one million Americans were without electricity.
Send Relief has created an online hub [3] to provide information on tangible responses for those affected by the winter storm.
[4]“Send Relief ministry centers in St. Louis, Mo.; Memphis, Tenn.; and Ashland, Ky. are staged, prepared, and actively responding as conditions allow – serving as hubs of compassion in some of the hardest-hit regions,” the site says.
Webb says pastors or ministry leaders needing assistance should contact their state disaster relief coordinator.
Send Relief says long-term work through Baptist partners allows for a ready response in emergency situations. For example:
- Churches across the country previously supplied winter items that are now being distributed.
- Workforce development and life-skills programs are now feeding and staffing emergency response.
- Gospel relationships built over months and years are opening doors for hope in the middle of crisis.
The site also provides a way for people to donate [3] financially to help ongoing relief efforts.
“We continue to pray for all who have been impacted,” Webb said.
He says Send Relief plans to “respond as needed and prepare additional teams as able to bring help, hope, and healing to those affected by this massive winter storm.”
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