By Lonnie Wilkey
lwilkey@tnbaptist.org
MOUNT JULIET — The ability to be flexible is a must for disaster relief volunteers, observed Wes Jones, disaster relief specialist for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board.
Just two days after requesting chainsaw teams “as soon as possible” to respond to tornado damage, Missouri Baptist Disaster Relief canceled that callout on May 28.
But just as Jones received notice of the cancellation, he also put chainsaw teams on “Alert” status for possible deployment to Ohio. Both Ohio and Indiana were hit by 12 tornadoes on May 27.
Jones later received word that teams from Kentucky and Virginia were setting up in the Dayton, Ohio, area, so Tennessee teams were placed on hold.
Wes Jones
Jones reported that Kansas and Nebraska are still assessing tornado damage. They also are dealing with rising water and flooding concerns, he added. “They will need recovery teams as the water recedes,” Jones said.
In addition, flood recovery teams may be needed in Oklahoma and Arkansas as well, he continued.
“I wish I had clearer instructions on where volunteers will be needed, but that is the nature of disaster relief work,” Jones stressed. He encouraged teams to be prepared for call out in the next five weeks and let him know their availability. “I will look to find teams a place to serve,” Jones said.
Anyone wishing to donate to Tennessee Baptist Disaster relief can visit www.tndisasterrelief.org/contributions and choose the appropriate category. B&R
