Illinois Baptist Disaster Relief (IBDR) volunteers have been placed on standby status to respond to ministry needs in the wake of damage caused by Hurricane Ian. As of Sept. 29, “we have no specific information regarding deployment,” said IBSA Missions Director Shannon Ford. Officials have stated the next 72 hours will be a search and rescue phase. Only after that will recovery be allowed to begin.
Ford said Illinois and Missouri Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers will partner on response efforts. Missouri is staging a command team in Alabama Sept. 30 with initial response efforts to focus on feeding. “Once they know a site, they will notify us, and we will put that information out and begin arranging our response,” said Ford. He indicated IBDR volunteers may be needed to assist in feeding efforts at a later time.
Ford said chainsaw and flood recovery volunteers will be needed. “Everyone,” he stated, “be sure your go bag is ready, and your calendars cleared.”
If you are an Illinois Baptist Disaster Relief volunteer, please note, you must have a current badge to participate in a callout. Check your badge or call the IBDR office at (217) 391-3126 to verify your status.
To help send volunteers to the field and minister to victims, donate to Illinois Baptist Disaster Relief.
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