Arkansas experienced seven tornadoes between Friday and Saturdays nights, April 30-May 1.  The two hardest hit areas were in central (Little Rock) and north central parts of the state.

CBF Arkansas has mobilized one response team and they are working with families that were members of Second Baptist-Little Rock.  As assessments continue addition help will be offered.  CBF AR works through Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD).

Coordinating the relief effort is Chris Ellis, missions pastor, Second Baptist Little Rock.

In addition to news available through regular sources, CBF TN is contacting all related churches in the Nashville metroplex and asking for data concerning and damage to church structures.  They are also requesting information about any church member affected by the disaster.  With the Cumberland River just cresting today it may be a few days before an accurate picture begins developing.

CBFTN Mission Coordinator, Mike Young is working closely with Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD) and Hands on Nashville (www.hon.org). For additional information Mike Young may be reached at missions@tncbf.org.

Working with partner American Baptist Association, CBF began assessing needs in Yazoo and Holmes Counties in Mississippi.  Former CBF MS Coordinator, Steve Street was contacted and agreed to open his church in Jackson for any responders from our collective groups.  The next day University Baptist Church, Hattiesburg, pastor Phillip Reynolds was in contact with Charles Ray, CBF US Disaster Response Coordinator seeking ways to assist.

As a result UBC was authorized to purchase and deliver necessary needed supplies to the affected area.  It has been determined that CBF efforts will concentrate in Holmes County.  Joining us in our efforts will be partner Volunteers of America SE, based in Mobile, Ala.  It was VOA that lead our early Mississippi recovery effort after Katrina.  Street has agreed to serve as Mississippi Disaster Response Coordinator during these recovery efforts.  

Contacts for this effort are Steve Street, steve.street@traceridge.org, and Phillip Reynolds, phillip@ubchm.org.

Make a gift online to support the Fellowship’s ongoing domestic disaster response efforts.