Below is a summary of the latest information from states presently in a response.
Alabama
Many states have sent teams to Alabama in response to the needs resulting from the tornados. Mel Johnson, AL Disaster Relief Director, says, "I appreciate all the state conventions that have sent teams to help." Some units are closing down and will soon be headed home, but the response is far from over. At one time more than 150 disaster relief units were active in Alabama, to date over 180 units have worked in the state. Johnson is looking into ways for churches and associations to partner with Alabama churches and Associations and will post this information when the details have been finalized.
In Alabama, around 5,900 volunteers have prepared over 161,000 meals, completed more than 740 chainsaw jobs, cared for about 100 children, provided 3,300 showers, washed 950 loads of laundry and 4,600 ministry contacts have resulted in 26 professions of faith.
Alabama churches and associations will continue for weeks and months to respond to the needs of these communities. Thanks for continuing to pray.
Georgia
Stuart Lang, Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief Director reports that volunteers from Georgia and South Carolina continue to work in Trenton and Ringgold, GA. They have responded with feeding, chain saw, chaplain and child care teams. He expects that this phase of the response will continue through this week. Like Alabama, they are working to partner Georgia churches and associations with churches and associations offering help.
Illinois
The state of Illinois is actively fighting flooding. Residents and volunteer groups have been sandbagging and Jack Shelby, Illinois state Disaster Relief director, says that they have completed this effort. Illinois Baptists are doing feeding in several local churches and at this point have not deployed a feeding unit. Like other states, Illinois anticipates the need for mud out teams once the flood waters recede.
Kentucky
Kentucky Baptists have a feeding unit on standby for Paducah, KY that will probably roll Tuesday. They are watching the rising water and will need mud out units once the water goes down.
Louisiana
As waters from up river move south, Louisiana is trying to allow water out of the Mississippi river basin. Gibbie McMillian, State Disaster Relief director says, "spill ways have opened today to allow the waters to flow better. Farmers are losing equipment and some homes are being evacuated."
Mississippi
Mississippi Baptists tornado response is continuing as they too prepare for "epic flooding." Don Gann, Men's Ministry Consultant with MS Baptists says that recovery teams will continue to work throughout this week. In anticipation of the flooding, MS Baptists are working with the American Red Cross to identify locations for shelters.
North Carolina
North Carolina Baptist Men is entering a fourth week of response to tornados that ripped through the state. Gaylon Moss, NC Disaster Relief director thanks the volunteers from Maryland and South Carolina who have responded along with North Carolina Baptists.
North Carolina is transitioning into repair and rebuild and is seeking volunteers with carpentry skills.
Tennessee
Tennessee has been affected by tornados to the east and now is dealing with flooding on the western end of the state. David Acres, State Disaster Relief director says that they are working with the American Red Cross in Memphis and they have a kitchen on standby. As many as 6,500 people may be evacuated in the Memphis area. He anticipates that there will be a need for mud out teams in the coming weeks.
North Carolina has helped with chain saw teams in Mountain City, TN.
Japan Earthquake/Tsunami
Southern Baptists continue to respond to the Japan disaster. At the end of May, a six person team of Southern Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers will be deployed to help with mud out training and work with Baptists in Japan in meeting the needs.
2011 Year to Date Activity Reported
Professions of Faith 39
Gospel Presentations 219
Other Decisions 31
Chaplaincy Contacts 472
Ministry Contacts 5,019
Volunteer Days 10,407
Meals Prepared 190,744
Mudout Jobs 33
Chainsaw Jobs 1,133
Showers 3,628
Laundry Loads 1,255
Messages 100
For more information on Southern Baptist Disaster Relief visit www.namb.net/dr