Illinois Baptist Disaster Relief (IBDR) teams wrapped up work in tornado-ravaged Crawford County on April 5, just in time for Easter weekend. Teams have been placed on stand-by for a possible call-out due to damage caused by a line of storms that passed through Fulton County April 4.
Thirty volunteers represented teams that included damage assessors, chainsaw crews, a feeding unit, laundry/shower trailer, and chaplains. They worked in and around Salem and Robinson, the towns hardest hit by an EF-3 tornado which killed three people on March 31. According to the National Weather Service, the tornado touched down at 8:58 p.m. staying on the ground and traveling into Indiana until 9:33 p.m., tracking 42 miles. Officials estimate approximately 50-100 homes were damaged or destroyed.
IBDR State Director Arnold Ramage said the teams completed 28 jobs over four days and were based out of Highland Avenue Baptist Church.
“Local residents and businesses especially were thankful for our efforts,” said Ramage. “Local authorities were appreciative because of our past history and the fact that we were vetted.”
Glen Carty, IBDR Logistics Director, enjoyed working with residents of Crawford County. Carty said, “It’s been amazing how everyone in the community stepped up help to each other. They even jump in and help us.”
Carty said most of the tornado damage occurred on the outskirts of Robinson and in the rural areas of the county. He described seeing little damage in one place and total destruction nearby, “Tornados are funny with how they’ll destroy one place, and the next place isn’t touched.”
He thanked Illinois Baptists for their prayers while the teams worked saying the volunteers could feel their prayers. Carty said, “We pray every morning before we go out that we run across a lost soul that we can share the gospel with. Please pray that with us.”
Ramage is currently monitoring the situation in Fulton County particularly in Lewistown, located 40 miles southwest of Peoria, where storms on April 4 knocked out power and damaged homes. He will notify IBDR volunteers if a call-out is given.
Illinois Baptist Disaster Relief ministry is funded through individual and church donations made by people like you. When you give, 100% of your offering will assist efforts to meet the needs affected persons as well as mobilizing your Illinois Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers. To donate, visit IBSA.org.