This article was written by the Association of State Baptist Publications
Hurricane Laura ripped through the city of Lake Charles, Louisiana, on Aug. 27 with winds of up to 150 mph. Two weeks after Hurricane Laura ravaged the area, Chad Gilbert, community and missions pastor for Trinity Baptist Church there, said, “There’s a desperation that’s in the air for everybody. It’s catastrophic.”
Soon after Hurricane Laura unleashed its destructive fury, Arkansas Baptist disaster relief volunteers responded with tangible expressions of God’s compassion. At the Incident Command Center set up at Trinity, Arkansas Baptist DR volunteer Jimmy Blackford served as the “white hat,” directing the center’s massive relief efforts.
Southern Baptist volunteers from multiple states have joined forces with Arkansas Baptists in the anticipated long-term relief effort in Louisiana. From the roar of the chainsaw to the aroma of food being prepared to the sight of yellow T-shirts and hats, Louisiana residents are experiencing God’s love through the selfless actions of Arkansas Baptist DR volunteers.
Editor’s note: If your church would consider partnering with a Louisiana Baptist church that was damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Laura, find more information here. If you would like to get connected or give to Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief, click here.