By Message Staff
Help is rolling into Louisiana.
Almost two weeks after storms dumped more than two feet of rain in areas of the state and caused the worst flooding seen in Louisiana in more than 25 years, units from 12 states have arrived to lend a helping hand.
One such Southern Baptist Disaster Relief team from Arkansas along with a couple of disaster relief team members from First Baptist Church in Pineville spent Tuesday morning preparing 850 meals for those affected by the flooding in central Louisiana. Stationed at Horseshoe Drive Baptist Church in Alexandria, the team is working through March 28 there.
Ed Whitson, a member of the Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief team from Arkadelphia, Ark., told the Baptist Message this is their passion and mission to those hurting after the flooding.
“As Baptists, this is part of our mission,” Whitson said, “to serve in any place in need and get the word out about our Savior.”
Jamie Stansell, a member at First Pineville, was helping the team from Arkansas prepare a meal of salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, green beans and rolls. He enjoyed meeting the team from Arkansas and serving those in his own area who had been affected by the flooding.
“I’ve been trained before but this is my first disaster to respond to,” said Stansell, who responded after learning of the need during a deacon’s meeting on Monday evening at First Pineville. “It’s neat to see how God is using all of the different gifts for one purpose.”
An Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief team member and Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief team member Jamie Stansell look at a box of food they are preparing to cook at Horseshoe Drive Baptist Church in Alexandria on March 22, 2016.
Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief team members carry boxes of food to a station, where they are prepared as part of meals that are distributed to food victims on March 22, 2016.
Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief blue hat Harold Johnson (center) looks through a box of food with fellow team members at Horseshoe Drive Baptist Church in Alexandria on March 22, 2016. They will serve 850 meals per day.
