Baptist and Reflector
FRANKLIN — The feeding unit of Sullivan Baptist Association, along with supporting units from Watauga, Holston and Knox County Associations, will be heading to Cary, N.C. on Sept. 16 to begin responding in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence.
The hurricane hit the Carolinas with a vengeance over the weekend with at least 12 confirmed deaths, according to news reports.
As of late Saturday evening (Sept. 15) Florence had been downgraded to tropical storm status, but it was still causing “catastrophic flooding” in North and South Carolina, according to CBS News.
Some areas of North Carolina have received between 20 and 30 inches and the rain will continue for several more days. More than one million homes and businesses are without electricity.
Additional rain is expected to cause “epic flooding” in both states, news teams reported.
North Carolina has a lot of water, confirmed Wes Jones, disaster relief specialist for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board. He said the Sullivan team is headed to Cary but could be moved to another location once they arrive. Assessments have not been made as of late Saturday due to the heavy rains.
Jones said chainsaw and mud out teams are still on standby until the water recedes and sites are determined. He noted 20 teams across the state are on standby and more teams will be needed as other teams go to serve and return.
Jones encouraged Tennessee Baptists to pray for those who already have been affected by Florence and those who will be due to additional flooding. Also, pray for teams as they travel and serve as the hands and feet of Jesus, he encouraged.
Donations for hurricane disaster relief efforts can be made at http://tndisasterrelief.org/contributions/.
“Please do not let your donations to Disaster Relief interfere with what you and your church are doing for the Golden Offering for Tennessee Missions offering,” Jones said. “The GOTM offerings along with the Cooperative Program giving of the churches provide the lifeblood of what we do here in Tennessee and around the world.”
