Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief (ABDR) is currently assessing damage in Northeast Arkansas following severe weather that left devastation in its wake.
Mount Zion Baptist Association Associational Missionary Ed Gillham said several of the communities in the area saw substantial damage from the April 2 storms. He noted the loss of about 20 homes in Lake City, where a powerful tornado touched down.
Additionally, First Baptist Church in Monette was hit with destruction. “Their family life center is probably a total loss,” Gillham said, adding they had minor damage to the sanctuary and parsonage.
“The overall thing I hear today is everyone is very thankful and praising God for no loss of life and no major injuries. It could have been much, much worse,” he said.
ABDR is in contact with the local cities and is working with the Salvation Army and other partners.
“We are still monitoring the weather. Today is another stormy day for almost the entire state of Arkansas not just northeast, and we will respond as needed,” ABDR Director Randy Garrett said. “We’re so proud of all our volunteers who are wanting to help, and we will weather this storm and represent Jesus Christ in the storm.”
ABDR is able to respond immediately in times of disaster thanks to the Cooperative Program and Dixie Jackson Arkansas Missions Offering giving of Arkansas Baptists.
For more information on ABDR, visit abscdisasterrelief.org.