If you follow me on social media, you may have noticed that over the last two to three weeks I have lifted up prayers, as I am sure you have too, for those affected by hurricanes Helene and Milton, for peace in the Middle East, and for relief efforts by Christian organizations and churches.

Our heart grieves for those who have lost homes, possessions, livelihood, and most of all, loved ones in these tragedies. Many of them have been displaced and are experiencing emotional trauma. As we continue to pray for them, we are also moved to compassion.

We are very thankful for our ministry partners Texans on Mission (TXM). They are our disaster relief ministry partners of choice, and like our very own BOUNCE student disaster recovery ministry, they do excellent work in Jesus’ name.

In the wake of the devastation Hurricane Helene left behind, as Texans on Mission mobilized to respond, they prepared to go to Florida as well to offer relief after Hurricane Milton. Last week, TXM sent a mobile mass-feeding kitchen, large generator, shower and laundry unit and flood recovery unit to Florida. Texans on Mission are also providing meals in Israel to people who have been displaced or affected by the war in some way.

It is not hard to imagine that the work in all the states affected by the last two hurricanes will go on for days, weeks and perhaps even months. The same can be said for relief efforts in the Middle East.

While a portion of our Cooperative Program funds support the budget of Texans on Mission, the current needs are larger. One of the ways members of the Texas Baptists family can support these relief efforts in the U.S. and the Middle East is through our Texas Baptists Hunger Offering.

Beyond our regular offering to alleviate hunger, we have created a special designation for “Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Relief.” When you go to the donation portion of the Hunger Offering page, you may select this designation from the drop-down menu. One hundred percent of your donation will go to feeding, in Jesus’ name, people affected by the hurricanes and the war-torn Middle East.

We are making special arrangements with Texans on Mission to direct those funds to them for their feeding units in both the U.S. and the Middle East. Additionally, we are working in collaboration with Baptist World Aid concerning crisis relief in the Middle East.

Donations can be made by individuals or churches. My wife and I have done so this week. An additional contribution from Texas Baptists’ undesignated funds to Texans on Mission is also being planned. I trust that our Baptist family will continue to respond generously.

Texans on Mission are also in need of volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering for the relief efforts you can sign up here. If you desire to donate directly to Texans on Mission your church can do so here.

Beyond the care and compassion offered to those in need during this difficult time, we are providing a God-glorifying witness to the watching world. And even more eternally impactful, people are coming to the knowledge of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Let's continue to be Great Commandment and Great Commission people. Together we can do more.

Partnering to serve those in need