Georgia Baptists wrap up wildfire deployment in South Georgia

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — After nearly three weeks serving communities impacted by devastating wildfires in the southeast of the state, Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers have wrapped up their response. GBDR Director Dwain Carter said the response included practical help and gospel ministry to both residents and firefighters across the region.

During the deployment, which began on April 22, GBDR teams prepared nearly 9,000 meals, provided hundreds of showers and laundry services, and made more than 1,000 ministry and chaplaincy contacts. Volunteers also shared the gospel 104 times and distributed 48 Bibles.

The massive fires in Brantley, Clinch, and Echols counties destroyed homes, forced evacuations, and stretched emergency resources across southeast Georgia. GBDR partnered with local churches, emergency management officials, firefighters, and Mission Georgia to support both first responders and displaced residents.

Carter said public and firefighter feeding operations concluded in mid-May as the fires were brought under control.

While recovery efforts among residents have progressed more slowly than expected in some areas, Carter said volunteers were still able to assist around 20 families directly while building meaningful relationships throughout the community.

He added, “We’ve made some big inroads into the community and made some great friends in the county government.”

Local churches served as ministry hubs and staging areas for response efforts. A GBDR shower and laundry unit for firefighter support was staged at Lulaton Baptist. Southside Baptist Church in Nahunta and Waynesville Baptist Church focused on helping displaced families and feeding residents affected by the fires.

Carter said he heard repeated expressions of gratitude from firefighters for the support they received from Georgia Baptist volunteers.

In addition to meeting physical needs, Carter emphasized the spiritual impact of the deployment. “Residents heard about and saw the unfiltered love of Jesus,” he said.

The deployment required a significant volunteer effort from churches across Georgia. Carter said Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief averaged between 35 and 40 volunteers each day during the response, totaling 482 volunteer days.

“GBDR volunteers did some fantastic work,” Carter said. “They always lay their everything out and serve from their hearts. I am so proud of them.”

Churches from across the state also contributed supplies, meals, financial assistance, and volunteer support during the crisis.

Carter said one of the most encouraging aspects of the response was the willingness of Georgia Baptists statewide to help. There was a great outpouring of support,” he said, “from churches all over Georgia.”