Texas Baptists pray and prepare a response for Hurricane Laura

On Wed., Aug. 26, Texas Baptist leaders encouraged churches and individuals to join together in prayer for those in the path of Hurricane Laura, a Category 4 hurricane expected to make landfall along the Texas-Louisiana border Wednesday night or early Thursday morning. Residents in Beaumont, Galveston and Port Arthur were among the more than half-a-million individuals encouraged to evacuate. 

Associate Executive Director Craig Christina encouraged Texas Baptists staff to take time on Wednesday to pray for and contact pastors and staff in the area. 

“Make this a priority today,” Christina said. “We are already organizing a response...but right now, they need our prayers and encouragement.” 

Texas Baptist Men (TBM) placed units on standby to prepare to respond within 24 hours of the storm’s impact. Trained volunteers are prepared to send a rapid response kitchen, shower, laundry and chainsaw units to serve in areas that experience significant damage. Churches with volunteer groups are invited to contact TBM about service opportunities. Units could be deployed as soon as Thursday. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, volunteers will take extra precautions in wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and maintaining social distancing. 

Texas Baptist churches and individuals who would like to financially support hurricane relief efforts can give online through the Texas Baptist Missions Foundation (TBMF) to support the work of Texas Baptist Men and the Texas Baptist Church Disaster Relief Fund. Click here to give.  

“We can’t stop the storm, but Texas Baptists can be the presence of Jesus for those in its path,” said Jerry Carlisle, TBMF president. “Your gifts through TBMF provide immediate hope for neighbors who are drenched in despair and flooded by fear. Let’s show God’s love by giving now!”

More information will be provided as needs are identified. Updates will be posted on txb.org in the coming days.