Spring River workers aid Gulf Coast
By Staff
October 4, 2005
McCOMB, Miss. – The Disaster Relief Chainsaw Unit of the Spring River Baptist Association was called by the North American Mission Board and the Missouri Baptist Convention, requesting assistance with cleanup after Hurricane Katrina swept through the Gulf Coast.
A team of 25 was deployed Sept. 4. They arrived in McComb the following day and immediately began work. Several others from other areas of the state joined the crew as well as some from the community.
A total of 12 Missouri Baptist churches sent volunteers to help in the effort. Those churches were: First Baptist Church, Diamond; First Baptist Church, Oronogo; Calvary Baptist Church, Carthage; First Baptist Church, Carl Junction; First Baptist Church, Carterville; First Baptist Church, Carthage; Fellowship Baptist Church, Joplin; Forest Park Baptist Church, Joplin; Harmony Heights Baptist Church, Joplin; First Baptist Church, Duenweg; New Hope Baptist Church, Belleview; and First Baptist Church, Anderson.
The largest group came from First Oronogo. It consisted of Mike Wilson, Lee Sandtorf, Gary Hunley, Joe Andrews, Linda Andrews, Sharon DenHoad and Tom Sandtorf. Unit Director Ron Crow led a First Diamond group that also included Jerry Hensley, Alan Morris, Chris Hency and Lisa Crow. Among the other volunteers was Steve Patterson, director of missions and a member of First Carl Junction.
A total of 24 jobs were completed, mainly in the McComb area.
“Our work there created a sense of awareness as well as a positive influence in the community,” Ron Crow said. “Many of the people were surprised to see these ‘white folks’ so willing and excited to serve the Lord and meet needs in the community. Several Bibles were given, and we had prayer with each family. God was at work.”
First Baptist Church, McComb, housed the volunteers from Missouri.
“It’s exciting to see Baptists working together, fulfilling the ministries God has provided and caring for one another as well as the community in which we served,” Crow said. “We are truly blessed as Baptists to have the disaster relief ministries as we do with so many people involved.”