Updated Oct. 2 | Illinois Baptist Disaster Relief (IBDR) volunteers are on the ground in Augusta, Ga. where Hurricane Helene barreled through as a tropical storm Sept. 27. A feeding team arrived Saturday (Sept. 29) and is serving with Missouri Baptist Disaster Relief (MBDR). Since their arrival Saturday evening through noon Wednesday, Sept. 26, the teams have prepared and served 33,925 meals for survivors of Hurricane Helene. Additional feeding team volunteers leave Oct. 3 along with a shower/laundry team. Chainsaw and flood recovery teams, plus chaplains and assessors will leave within days.
“This will possibly be the largest callout that Illinois Baptist Disaster Relief will be involved with in the last several years,” said Arnold Ramage, IBDR State Coordinator. “Damage is extensive and widespread. In fact, it’s the largest I’ve been involved in.” As of Wednesday afternoon (Oct. 2) , at least 182 deaths have been confirmed in six states – Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Hundreds are still missing.
The Augusta area, located in the northwestern part of the state along the South Carolina border, received hurricane force winds and heavy rains. Georgia Power called Hurricane Helene “the most destructive hurricane” in its history. According to local news reports, at least 23 deaths, including those of five children, in the area have been attributed to the storm.
The feeding team is working out of Fleming Baptist Church which saw part of its roof blown off by damaging winds. MBDR volunteers immediately put a tarp on the roof before starting work on preparing meals.
Jennifer Smith, IBDR Chaplain Coordinator, said Illinois Baptists can be praying for all those involved. “Hurricane Helene was a major disaster for so many people across our Southeastern states and they need our prayers as well as all our volunteers who are out being the hands and feet of Jesus,” she shared.
A screenshot of damage to a home in Augusta from 11ALIVE.
Volunteers can expect to serve onsite from five to seven days. Trained volunteers may contact Ramage with their intent to serve via email or by phone at (618) 889-1938. All volunteers must have a current IBDR badge to participate in a callout.
Ramage expects IBDR volunteers to have many opportunities to serve. “It will take months for this work to be completed,” said Ramage.
IBDR is a partner with Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR), part of the SBC’s Send Relief compassion ministry. It is the third largest disaster relief organization, after the Red Cross and the Salvation Army. Send Relief is currently supporting dozens of SBDR sites deployed in six southeastern states (see the map below) with teams mobilized in response to Hurricane Helene from 14 states so far.
As of Oct. 2, Send Relief reports Southern Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers have provided 115,612 meals, given 15,443 volunteer hours, completed 207 job requests, and seen 10 professions of faith.
It’s important to remember disaster relief volunteers in your prayer because seeing so much pain and devastation can take a toll on them. “Pray that our volunteers will have a heart of compassion and serve well,” Smith said. “Pray also that this will be an opportunity for Christ’s Kingdom to grow and expand to really touch many people and that God uses this as an opportunity reach people who are normally closed to the gospel.”
IBDR has almost 500 trained volunteers who serve on chainsaw and flood recovery teams, with shower, laundry, and food service, and at every callout, as chaplains.
While the Cooperative Program provides the year-round logistical support for disaster relief, volunteers travel and serve at their own expense. The average cost to send teams to the response area is $3,000. To donate to help Illinois Baptist Disaster Relief assist survivors of Hurricane Helene, visit IBSA.org/about/donate. Checks may be made payable to Illinois Baptist Disaster Relief and sent to IBSA, 3085 Stevenson Drive, Springfield, IL 62703.
For more information about Illinois Baptist Disaster Relief, visit IBSA.org/dr. IBDR is a volunteer organization ministering with the Illinois Baptist State Association.
