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The Katrina Disaster has dominated our attention for almost a month. Your SBTC staff went above and beyond the call of duty during this time. I am happy to report to you that within a few hours we went from chaos to a concerted effort to help alleviate the suffering.
SBTC Disaster Relief teams were on the ground almost immediately after the rain stopped in Louisiana and Mississippi. Gibbie McMillan and Bill Davenport have worked tirelessly to direct the training of new volunteers and guide field operations. Cindy Davenport provides support for the DR units and SBTC staff. Virtually every SBTC staff member turned their attention to the relief effort. Thousands of volunteers have been trained to work on the relief teams.
Churches, associations and individuals have contributed in various ways. Of course monetary gifts are the most useful. Through the SBTC budget, surplus funds and Katrina Disaster gifts, literally thousands have been touched.
Although the SBTC is involved on several fronts, we have tried to target our response. David Hankins, executive director of the Louisiana Baptist Convention, told me that over 100 churches were totally lost. He said the most pressing need was to help the pastors’ families with necessities. The SBTC immediately sent $20,000 to help some of those needy families. Several churches have been “adopted” by SBTC congregations. The SBTC churches have agreed to help with clean-up, rebuilding, pastor’s salary and outreach. I would encourage you to contact our office by phone or e-mail if you would like to participate. You may also want to visit the NAMB website at www.namb.net. You can “Adopt a Church” and make a difference for the kingdom.
The Baptist Association of Greater New Orleans has been severely impeded by the loss of churches. The SBTC is taking the lead in coordinating assistance for the director of missions, Joe McKeever. Partnering with associations in Texas, the SBTC will help provide for Bro. Joe’s needs, personally, as he directs the New Orleans Association.
What we have seen is Acts 8:1 in reverse. Instead of the church being scattered, many people who do not know Christ have been sent to our communities where we can show them the love of Christ. This could be the sweeping revival that might have never come to New Orleans. “Houses of Hope,” another NAMB effort, are springing up all over Texas. If you are willing to provide housing (either in your home or by arranging apartment housing) for the evacuees, please contact us.
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, my alma mater, was dealt a severe blow. I talked to President Chuck Kelley. He said he would like mud-out units, chainsaw units and other assistance to be directed to the campus as soon as access is permitted. Our primary mission will be to reclaim Texas Manor, faculty housing and any other buildings requested by NOBTS. Immediately, the need is to help displaced faculty and students. The SBTC is working with NOBTS to help those in Texas especially.
Finally, let me say that your Cooperative Program gifts continue to make a difference. Planting churches, reaching the lost, and building the Body of Christ is being accomplished through your faithful participation. What Southern Baptists are doing through Disaster Relief is possible because of the infrastructure funded through the Cooperative Program. Please consider in your upcoming budget to give by percentage and to increase your gifts.
While Katrina will be on our minds for a long time, there is no better way for us to stay focused on kingdom work than to join as one in Amarillo for the annual meeting of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention. On Oct. 24 and 25 we will pray, preach, sing, and seek the Lord together. See you there.
