TN Baptist Disaster Relief
Photo: NOAA.gov
Slow-moving storms are causing record flooding and significant damage as they move across South Louisiana. Thousands of residents have evacuated, at least three people have died and there is significant property damage and loss to more than 50,000 homes. At least three interstates are closed by the flooding of the Amite River and much of Louisiana State University’s campus is covered by water.
The rising water is the result of more than 27 inches of rainfall over a 36-hour period near the city of Baker, just northeast of Baton Rouge.
“This has been a significant event,” said Wes Jones, director of Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief. “There is going to be a great need to help, but right now we are waiting on the weather. The rivers continue to rise and disaster relief assessors haven’t yet gotten a full picture of what needs those communities will have.”
Jones said that disaster teams from across Tennessee will be put on alert and then the standard “call-up” process will be followed for activating teams to Louisiana. In the meantime, individuals and churches can help with the impending financial needs that will support both physical and spiritual relief to the people suffering as a result of the disaster. Visit tndisasterrelief.org for more information or to make an online contribution. With debit and credit card transactions, there is a 15-20 minute security delay between transactions made on the same card to counter fraudulent card use. If you want to give to more than one fund with the same card, please wait 15-20 minutes between payments. Contributions will be recorded as made to the “Tennessee Baptist Convention” on your statement
To support the disaster relief effort by mail, please make your check payable to the Tennessee Baptist Convention:
TN Baptist Disaster Relief
PO Box 728
Brentwood, TN 37024
Write on your check the nature of your designation. Any checks received that do not have a designation will be used for General Disaster Relief.
“And don’t forget to pray for those affected by this flooding,” Jones said. “There are a lot of people who have deep physical and spiritual needs. Situations like this are always unfortunate, but it is also an opportunity for God’s people to show compassion and share the hope of the gospel.”
