MORRISTOWN — In the wake of the floods that struck Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia, God’s Warehouse Ministries has mobilized a rapid response effort to deliver critical supplies to affected communities.
The multi-state flood hit on the weekend of Feb. 15, leaving at least 14 dead. This disaster not only comes after the region’s recent recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene but also amid severe winter weather conditions including snow and ice.
On Monday, Feb. 17, God’s Warehouse Ministries dispatched two truckloads of emergency supplies to Pikeville and Elkhorn City, Ky. According to Don Owen, director of the Nolachucky Baptist Association Disaster Relief and God’s Warehouse, the urgency of the situation became clear when the Pikeville response center reported that supplies were depleted within hours of delivery, with only a few cases of water remaining.
“The [response center] director stated, ‘Just wanted you to know that the critical supplies you sent are all gone…If you have more supplies available, the people here could sure use them’,” retold Owen.
The warehouse plans to send two additional truckloads this week, with shipments bound for Pikeville, Ky., and Grundy, Va.
“God has blessed, and our great volunteer team continues to work day-after-day to sort, inspect, pack and prepare for shipment the critical donated supplies,” Owen said.
Meanwhile, the ministry’s disaster response capabilities received a boost last Saturday when 94 people participated in a training event at First Baptist Church Dandridge. The event added 32 new volunteers to their ranks, while 12 existing volunteers renewed their certifications. Twenty-one of the participants were completely new to the organization’s disaster relief efforts.
Those interested in supporting the relief effort can visit the Nolachucky Baptist Association website’s Disaster Relief section for a list of needed supplies and information about making financial donations. Visit nolachuckybaptistassociation.org for more information.
Donations can also be made to Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief at tndisasterrelief.org/contributions.
“It takes all of us working together to let the world see His church in action,” said Owen. “Your support is greatly appreciated and touching many lives.”
