Neighbors helping neighbors: TBM volunteers serve in their communities after tornadoes storm through Southeast Texas

DEER PARK, Texas – Along a several-block stretch of Hillshire Drive, tree limbs are piled along the street as neighbors seek to clean up from a tornado that swept through on Jan. 24. The easy cutting had been done, but a TBM Disaster Relief team from Katy swept in Friday to clear away some of the more challenging damage.

Marcell Hunt led the TBM crew from Kingsland Baptist Church. He described the work as mainly involving “hangers,” large branches broken off but still connected to the tree that are very dangerous. Tree limbs were also down on roofs.

The seven-man team brought chainsaws, a man lift and a skid steer because some of the hangers were large and required multiple cuts for safe removal. The crew used the lift to reach hangers high in the trees above three homes.

Their ministry comes after a series of tornadoes swept across Southeast Texas, from the Houston area to Orange.

One of the homeowners affected by the storms, Scott Wilkerson, said the TBM work was a blessing.

“I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you guys are doing,” he said. “God bless y'all.”

Wilkerson received estimates of $6,000-$7,000 for what the TBM crew did free of charge.

To the Southeast, the TBM Deep East Texas team cut and removed trees in Orange County. They also installed a tarp on a house that was missing half of its roof.

TBM Disaster Relief Director David Wells praised the work of the Deep East Texas team as well as the Houston area teams that assisted tornado survivors.

“The first part of the Great Commission is to make disciples of the people in your Judea – the area closest to you,” he said. “That’s exactly what these teams are doing. Their neighbors are hurting, and they’re stepping up to help them out in the name of Christ.”

TBM Disaster Relief is made possible by prayer and financial support from people like you. To support this ministry, give securely at tbmtx.org/donate.