May 16, 2024
Destructive storms and tornadoes hit the Midwest over the weekend, leaving a wake of damage behind them. At least five deaths and more than 100 injuries have been reported in Oklahoma. Other states among those reportedly impacted by the storms include Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Texas.
Throughout the Midwest, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief teams with chaplains are assessing the damage and deploying cleanup supplies, tarps to cover damaged roofs and mobile food units. So far, teams that have been activated, or are preparing to respond, include: Kansas-Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Oklahoma, Southern Baptists of Texas and Texans on Mission, according to Scott Knuteson, strategic communications director for Send Relief, compassion ministry of the North American Mission Board and International Mission Board.
Jason Yarbrough, director of Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief, told the Baptist Messenger, “We anticipate mass feeding to be requested and for our chainsaw teams to be serving in some of the hard hit areas including Sulphur, Ardmore, Marietta, Holdenville and Morris.” Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt declared a state of emergency in 12 counties.
Yarbrough added in a report that was posted April 28, “Our DR assessors are out working this morning and all through the day. A chainsaw team is working in Morris removing tree damage and covering roofs with tarps. Other teams will go out as we get info and requests.
“We serve to show the love of God to people who find themselves in a great time of need. Please be praying for those impacted by the storms, for first responders and for our trained Baptist DR volunteers,” Yarbrough added.
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This story was compiled by The Baptist Paper, with reporting by the Baptist Messenger and Send Relief.
