IMMEDIATE HELP: Oklahoma Baptist disaster relief volunteers, from left, Scott Cross, David Philpott and Paul Gustafson place tarps on the roof of a home in Bridge Creek following a tornado which swept through the area May 6. (Photo: Bob Nigh)
BRIDGE CREEK –As the May 6 storms devastated large parts of Central Oklahoma, volunteers with the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma (BGCO) disaster relief teams immediately responded to needs.
According to BGCO disaster relief director, Sam Porter, the BGCO trained relief volunteers are serving among some of the hardest-hit areas, including Bridge Creek, which is in close proximity to where the BGCO’s Mobile Command Center is being stationed.
“Even in the waning daylight last night, our assessors discovered around 100 homes southwest of Oklahoma City either severely damaged or destroyed,” said Porter. “They are out today looking for areas where people need our help.”
Bob Shelton, right, representing the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma (BGCO), shakes hands with Ridgecrest Church Pastor David Rivers as he presents a check in the amount of $5,000 from BGCO Disaster Relief funds to Grady Association Director of Missions Chuck Utsler May 7. The money will go to the church , which had its children’s ministry building, shown in the background, destroyed in a May 6 tornado, along with other buildings. Second from left is Ridgecrest’s Children’s Minister Derreck Fraysur. (Photo: Bob Nigh)
Porter anticipates that in addition to debris clean-up from tornadoes, the need for flood recovery and “mud-out” services will be needed. Already two BGCO chain saw debris clean-up teams have been activated, as well as a feeding unit, through which meals are being served.
People may request assistance from the BGCO disaster relief operation by calling (405) 443-7583 or by visiting www.okdisasterhelp.org. The BGCO’s disaster relief operation, a non-profit, faith-based group which offers a wide array of services, also receives tax-deductible donations to help victims of the storms.
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Oklahoma Baptist disaster relief volunteers serve meals on Thursday to victims and volunteer workers, at Snow Hill Baptist Church near Tuttle. (Photo: Brad Biddy)
