ATLANTA – In the aftermath of several U.S. natural disasters this winter and spring, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship is responding and anticipating an upcoming transition to long-term recovery efforts.
Since February, Arkansas has been repeatedly battered with tornadoes and heavy storms that have killed 26 people, according to Associated Press reports. Longstanding flooding has also affected areas of the state over the past few weeks.
“Arkansas has been continually hit,” said Charles Ray, the Fellowship’s U.S. disaster response coordinator. “When the floodwaters recede, we want to move into long-term recovery for both flood and tornado victims.”
In the immediate aftermath of these disasters, Ray said CBF has been an “integral part” of weekly relief supply distribution through Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD). In addition, CBF of Arkansas donated $2,000 toward the purchase of portable storage units for disaster victims. In Baxter County, where a tornado ripped through Feb. 5, a CBF shower trailer is still being used by victims.
The string of disasters has prevented the transition to long-term recovery, Ray said, but disaster relief teams may be needed to serve in damaged areas soon. Financial contributions for recovery efforts are the best way to help now, Ray said.
In Georgia, responders will gather May 17 to assist with debris removal and home repairs following a May 11 tornado in central Georgia. CBF of Georgia is hosting the service day, and churches or individuals interested in scheduling an additional disaster response trip should contact Scott Ford, CBF of Georgia’s disaster response coordinator, at sford@cbfga.org or (478) 742-1191.
To contribute to the relief and recovery efforts, send a check payable to Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, P.O. Box 101699, Atlanta, GA., 30392, indicating fund No. 17000 "Disaster Response" in the memo line, call (800) 352-8741 or go to www.thefellowship.info/Give/Donate.aspx?fund=DR.
CBF is a fellowship of Baptist Christians and churches who share a passion for the Great Commission and a commitment to Baptist principles of faith and practice. The Fellowship’s mission is to serve Christians and churches as they discover and fulfill their God-given mission.