Texas Baptist Men Disaster Relief provided its 100,000th meal after Hurricane Ida as the organization’s relief effort inches toward one month.
The TBM State Feeding Kitchen deployed hours Hurricane Ida made landfall in Louisiana with 150-mph winds. TBM volunteers began serving hot meals shortly after amid widespread devastation.
The massive feeding effort was made possible by people statewide responding to meet the need, said TBM Disaster Relief Director David Wells.
“Many, many, many people stepped up to serve in response to God's call,” he said. “Some served for the first time. Others served with a feeding team for the first time. Others yet extended their service to meet needs. Those who couldn't go, prayed God would provide. Together, the TBM family provided significant help to people in their most difficult days.”
As some TBM teams were providing meals, others were clearing fallen trees and limbs. Working home to home to home, the sound of TBM chainsaws could be heard from Baton Rouge to just northwest of New Orleans.
Just seeing the yellow shirts of TBM volunteers lifted spirits. Residents knew help was coming.
“You all are an answer to my prayer,” said Judy Robinson of Mt. Airy, La. “I've been laboring in this house since Sunday, and when I saw Texas-TBM pull up yesterday, I was so overjoyed. I thank God."
For many, TBM chainsaw teams were an answer to prayer.
“Thank you for helping my son clear the fallen trees and limbs from his yard,” said Lynda Jo Shugars. “It would have taken him weeks. I could tell from his voice that he was suffering from exhaustion, so I prayed. God sent you.”
While helping with trees, TBM volunteers connected to homeowners. Chaplains helped people work through the trauma they’ve experienced. They prayed with people. They distributed 250 Bibles. At least 24 people have come to faith in Christ.
“God is at work in Louisiana,” Wells said. “His people are responding to His call, and because of that, lives are being transformed. Please continue to pray for Louisiana as well as those responding to needs after this storm.”