By Connie Davis Bushey
News Editor, Baptist and Reflector
LAWTON, Okla. — A trailer being used by a Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief team serving here June 23 was stolen and then found unharmed and intact that evening. The reporting of KSWO-TV Channel 7 and a lot of prayers were the keys to the recovery, reported Doyle Pittman, director of the team.
The trailer was stolen from First Baptist Church West in Lawton overnight as the team slept at the church. Thankfully a viewer of the reporting by the TV station saw the trailer which was picked up by the team.
Pittman, a member of Red Bank Baptist Church, Red Bank, near Chattanooga, said the nine-member Tennessee team went ahead and worked yesterday after making the discovery. Thankfully they were able to use equipment from Oklahoma already at the church. Pittman also is DR director for Hamilton County Baptist Association, based in Chattanooga.
The team was providing flood recovery to residents.
The trailer, owned by Red Bank Baptist, was insured but it was filled with equipment including equipment owned by team members. Pittman estimated everything was worth about $12,000.
“This was totally out of our control and we just had to trust God to give it (the trailer) back to us,” said Pittman.
“Everyone had a good attitude about it and didn’t get angry. We were able to work and even accomplish two jobs.”
“Everyone … was surprised at and shocked that the Lord did this. Of course, we had many people praying and God answered those prayers,” said Pittman.
The team plans to return to Tennessee June 28.
