Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief (ABDR) continues its response in northeast Louisiana after Winter Storm Fern caused extensive ice- and snow-related damage across the region.
Twelve ABDR teams, comprised of more than 70 volunteers, are currently on the ground in Louisiana. Arkansas Baptists are serving primarily in and around Delhi and Lake Providence with plans to remain deployed for approximately three weeks.
The response includes a variety of Disaster Relief units, including recovery and feeding, shower and laundry, and assessors and chaplaincy support.
More than 400 work requests have already been logged, most involving fallen trees or debris. ABDR Director Randy Garrett said the area is economically depressed. In many cases, the residents lack the equipment or resources to clear debris themselves.
“In some disasters, neighbors immediately help one another with chainsaws,” Garrett said. “We’re not seeing that here. Nobody’s got the resources.”
Disaster Relief teams from Texas and Missouri are also providing support.
Local churches have played a vital role in the response by opening their facilities for sleeping, meals, and operations. Pastors and congregations have been described as “unbelievably supportive,” ensuring teams have what they need to serve effectively.
“The community and the churches have been incredibly receptive,” Disaster Relief Coordinator Greg Hutchison said. “We haven’t run into a single need yet that they haven’t been able to meet.”
Garrett said volunteer response has been strong, driven by a combination of close proximity and eagerness to serve.
So far, ABDR volunteers have reported four professions of faith, a reminder that ministry in times of crisis often opens doors for spiritual conversations and eternal impact.
Later in the deployment, Louisiana State University (LSU) Baptist Collegiate Ministry students are scheduled to join the effort for a weekend of yard cleanup and debris removal, working alongside Disaster Relief teams.
Folks interested in learning more about the response, volunteering, or supporting Disaster Relief efforts can find additional information through the Disaster Relief website. To give to Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief, click here.