MODR Provides Support Following Hurricane Helene

MODR Provides Support Following Hurricane Helene

With a path estimated at 420 miles wide, Hurricane Helene was said to be larger than all but two of the hurricanes that have hit the gulf coast since 1988. Unfortunately, large hurricanes often result in large numbers when it comes to lives, damage and immediate needs. Just since September 26th, when Missouri Baptist Disaster Relief (MODR) teams began working in Augusta, Georgia, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief teams have served over 75,000 meals; distributed 816 cases of water; logged around 700 work orders for help with tree removal, clean-up and tarping; and completed around 70 requests from local homeowners. And that was in just two Georgia counties through early October. At the same time, DR teams have been providing similar support in areas from Florida to North Carolina.

“I would describe it as one big debris field,” said Toby Tucker, who served as the white hat (team leader) during Missouri’s first deployment. “Consequently, our immediate focus was on feeding people who had been displaced or weren’t able to fix meals due to the power outages. The other priority has been removing trees from homes and driveways, and tarping roofs so they don’t leak and cause more damage.”

Tucker said that the mass feeding team was initially preparing as many as 10,000 meals per day in cooperation with the Red Cross. However, thenumber of meals has been declining as power has returned to some areas. 

“In addition to the Spirit kitchen and the chainsaw crews, MODR also has two shower units from Missouri on site, as well as one laundry unit,” Tucker added. “Best of all, there have been as many as 125 DR volunteers in Augusta from throughout the U.S. That includes people from Georgia, Wisconsin, Missouri, Michigan, Illinois, Montana, Minnesota, Kansas, Texas and Nebraska. And the Fleming Baptist Church, which has been the base for operations, has been very accommodating to the point of opening up more rooms and part of the sanctuary as more workers have arrived.

According to Gaylon Moss, MODR director, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief teams have been busy in every state affected by Hurricane Helene. All total, nationally, over 3,200 volunteers had responded to the disaster by early October; more than 600,000 meals have been served, and more than 800 homeowners were assisted with flood or chainsaw clean-up or roof tarping. Equally important, more than 500 gospel conversations were made and there were 56 professions of faith.

“There’s still a lot of work left to complete, Moss concluded, noting that MODR teams will probably be serving in Georgia into November. “So, continue to pray for all those affected by both hurricanes as we strive to bring Help, Hope and Healing to the hundreds of people who are hurting.”

To donate to Missouri Baptist Disaster Relief or to help support hurricane relief, go to modr.org/give and select Hurricane Helene from the drop-down menu on the website: text “Helene” to 573-433-8286, or mail your donation to: Missouri Baptist Disaster Relief, 400 E. High St., Jefferson City, MO 65101.

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