MOUNT JULIET — Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief has been asked to send flood recovery teams to assist victims of Hurricane Idalia, which swept through Florida and portions of Georgia and South Carolina last month.
Flood recovery teams are being recruited to go as early as next week, said Wes Jones, disaster relief specialist for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board.
Jones said teams who are available to go should contact the DR office as soon as possible. “Details on your location will be given after we have your commitment to go and dates,” Jones said.
He noted that the Swift Water Rescue Unit of Nolachucky Baptist Association responded to Idalia but was not needed.
Jones said DR teams are also still needed in West Tennesee.
“We need to remain focused on the work that still needs to be finished there,” Jones said. “These people have been waiting a long time for assistance.”
Wes Jones
Jones said the West Tennessee area is in need of a skilled team with bucket truck or spider lift capabilities, along with skid steers.
With DR teams and volunteers serving in multiple areas, another organization took on the work in Millington. This was done in order for Tennessee Baptist DR to focus on Bartlett and greater Memphis, Jones said.
While the DR teams were working on these sites, two other storms came through the area causing more damage. Some people were hit again.
“West Tennessee volunteers have been working almost every day in the oppressive heat to meet the needs of those affected and to share Christ with them,” Jones said.
Jones reported that the organization that had been helping in Millington was called away before they completed their work, leaving roughly 200 jobs undone.
Jones said Tennessee Baptist DR is working with First Baptist Church, Millington, to complete those jobs for homeowners, and an incident command post was set up. Tennessee and Texas teams are coming to assist.
For more information, contact Jones at wjones@tnbaptist.org. B&R
