By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer
CHARLESTON, SC – A Louisiana Baptist mud out team is responding to a call for help in the wake of the recent flooding in South Carolina.
The team of eight from Eastern Louisiana Baptist Association, Northshore Baptist Association and Two Rivers Baptist Association left Monday for Charleston. They are expected to remain there a week.
Moisture from Hurricane Joaquin caused up to 20 inches of rainfall in parts of South Carolina from Oct. 3-5. The result was flooded homes, washed out roadways and damage to businesses.
Louisiana Baptist state disaster relief director Gibbie McMillan is asking anyone available to sign up to serve on for additional teams that will be sent.
“We are asking for other teams that would be able to go,” McMillan said. “The need is great and we are fully intending to do this through December.”
Some monetary donations have been received to help offset the costs for disaster relief work there.
But more than money, prayer is needed, McMillan said.
“When you get a burden from praying, you will want to give,” McMillan said. “Thanks Louisiana Baptists for all you do to enable those who can go and serve. It is not overlooked.”
To donate, go to louisianabaptists.org/flooding. For information on volunteering, contact one of three regional disaster relief coordinators. They are David Abernathy, north region, 318.251.0065; Tom Long, southeast region, 985.960.2989; and Larry Cupper, southwest region, 337.277.7720.
First Baptist Church in Ponchatoula collected supplies for those affected in South Carolina by the recent flooding. Photo by First Baptist Ponchatoula
Other Louisiana Baptists have also helped out with relief efforts.
Ahead of the mud out teams, Louisiana Baptists have already been busy – collecting needed supplies and lifting up the victims in prayer.
And on Oct. 8, 125 students from the LSU Baptist Collegiate Ministry gathered to pray for those affected by the flooding in South Carolina. The students also sent notes of prayer and encouragement to the South Carolina residents.
LSU Associate Collegiate Ministry Director Sarah Farley said her students are considering taking a disaster relief trip over their Christmas break to help out with relief efforts. Farley said watching her students pray filled her heart with joy.
“Our campus and students have been impacted by flooding and disasters before and so we get it when weather wreaks people’s worlds,” Farley said. “Our heart for areas struck by disaster is directly tied to our countless disaster relief trips.
“These trips exposed students to the heartbreak and need for prayers and need for relief,” she continued. “So, caring, praying, and going is part of our BCM’s DNA. When the students start rallying, I don’t stop smiling because I know that they get it. They get that it is about something bigger than football and schools. It’s about doing what Christ’s love compels us to do – pray and help.”
On Oct. 11, First Baptist Church in Ponchatoula has already collected and sent about 120 cases of bottle water, some diapers, baby food and formula and other items.
