Texas Baptists work together to help churches and individuals affected by winter storms

From February 14-20, 2021, Winter Storms Uri and Violet hit the state of Texas, bringing below-freezing temperatures and dumping snow and ice. Approximately 4 million Texans were without power, many for multiple days, and over 7 million Texans faced water-related issues, including being placed under a boil water notice or having their water shut off entirely. Homes, churches and other ministry facilities were affected by water damage as pipes froze and burst. Many across the Texas Baptist family have risen up to meet the needs of their communities in the face of these challenges. Below are a few of the ways Texas Baptists are showing love to their neighbors in the aftermath of the storms.

Giving to support churches impacted by storms

The Texas Baptist Missions Foundation (TBMF) has set up a Church Disaster Relief Fund to provide assistance to churches damaged by the storms. Many experienced burst pipes and flooded buildings, inhibiting their ministry. The relief fund will provide assistance to these congregations, enabling them to continue meeting the needs of their communities. These churches are uniquely positioned to share Christ and show love, especially in such trying times.

“Donations given through the Church Disaster Relief fund make an immediate and eternal impact,” said TBMF President Jerry Carlisle.“Helping churches carry out God's mission is why Texas Baptists exist.”

Click here to give to the TBMF Church Disaster Relief Fund.

Local churches providing community support

Texas Baptist churches across the state have opened their doors and provided resources for those who have been affected.

One of those churches, Community Missionary Baptist Church (CMBC) of DeSoto, opened their facilities as a registered secondary shelter and emergency rescue center. The church provided food, showers and shelter to anyone who was in need, including families whose homes were without electricity and the local homeless population. Despite the overwhelming amount of need the church faced, Lynn Harper, young adults pastor at CMBC, praised the Lord for giving the church the resources to continue serving people, explaining that community and service has always been at the heart of CMBC’s mission.

To learn more about some of the Texas Baptists churches that have helped their local community, go here.

Meeting needs through TBM

TBM volunteers are serving around the state and providing assistance for those in need of help. Volunteers are being deployed to homes that have water-damage and are disinfecting homes and removing furniture, flooring and sheetrock. Priority will be given to the most vulnerable, including those without insurance and elderly and disabled individuals.

TBM has also deployed shower and laundry units to meet the needs of communities with burst pipes. Volunteers delivered bottled water to apartment complexes in the Dallas area yesterday that are lacking water, including one that houses 80 disabled veterans. They have also distributed water at East Texas Baptist University, Lewisville, Houston and across Texas. For more information about TBM’s ongoing efforts, check here.