Two communities devastated by recent disasters have begun “long term recovery” and need help.

Since Hurricane Isaac inundated LaPlace, Louisiana with unprecedented flooding in August, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship has been working to help residents return to a “new normal.”

After a tornado ripped through Hattiesburg, Mississippi on February 3, CBF, along with University Baptist Church and Volunteers of America, have been attempting to help residents piece their lives back together.

Both communities are now in “long term recovery” mode. What this means is that life has moved on, services are all back up and those left with homes destroyed and damaged are still trying to cope. Gone are the first responders and news media and most of the pleas for help.

CBF U.S. Disaster Response Coordinator Tommy Deal notes that disaster response coordinators in these two communities are requesting help. Reid Doster, disaster response coordinator for Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Louisiana, has been spearheading CBF’s relief efforts in LaPlace.

While numerous CBF churches, individuals and groups have come and helped in tremendous ways, Doster says the calls of inquiry have significantly diminished. “We now need more groups from CBF to come,” said Doster.

CBF has been partnering in LaPlace with New Wine Community Fellowship, which interviews residents needing assistance and determines their specific need.  This congregation feeds and houses volunteers at their facility, a former K-Mart store.  Volunteers of all skill levels are needed: carpentry, electrical, plumbing, sheetrock, painting, cleaning and more.

Group leaders are asked to contact Reid Doster and schedule their volunteer team now. Doster can be reached at 985-778-6049 or reid.cbflouisiana@gmail.com.

Hattiesburg, Mississippi officials have also announced that they are in the “long term recovery” stage. Officials are requesting the assistance of tree trimmers, roofers, professional interior craftsmen and electricians. Officials plan to find licensed electricians that will allow outside electricians to function under their licenses, according to Jim Kirkendall, disaster response coordinator for Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Mississippi.

Kirkendall and Rusty Edwards, pastor of University Baptist Church, have been instrumental in leading CBF’s efforts in Hattiesburg. Volunteer Hattiesburg, a local organization, is now coordinating the needs assessment and volunteer assignments. University Baptist Church, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Mississippi and Volunteers of America are working together to accommodate volunteer groups travelling to Hattiesburg to help.

To schedule a group to Hattiesburg, contact Jim Kirkendall at 228-229-3331 or Chapsky3@yahoo.com

CBF focuses its efforts in disaster response on the recovery and rebuilding phases, encouraging churches and individuals to partner with local churches  in which disaster response relationships have been established.

While many can and do offer their physical relief assistance, others can also give financial assistance to help CBF continue to be the presence of Christ in these disaster-stricken communities.

Donations can be made securely online at the CBF website or can be sent to:

Cooperative Baptist Fellowship
2930 Flowers Road South
Suite 133
Atlanta, GA 301311

For more information, please contact Tommy Deal, CBF disaster response coordinator, at 706-313-5066 or tdeal@thefellowship.info.