September 8, 2020
Laura’s toll includes 140 Louisiana Baptist churches
A little more than a week after slamming the Louisiana coast, it is obvious Hurricane Laura’s 140 miles per hour, Category 4, winds considered nothing sacred, including houses of worship.
August 31, 2020
August 26, 2020
We want to take a few moments to provide you with an update on Hurricane Laura. It is currently forecast to be a major hurricane (category 3 or higher) at landfall near the western border of Louisiana and move north then eastward over the next few days. We are in contact with state DR directors and may be called upon to respond. Flooding is forecast along most of the track including here in Virginia. We will not deploy teams outside of Virginia until the storm passes and we can evaluate any needs that may develop.
In discussions with other state directors and in reviewing Virginia Department of Health guidelines there are not currently self-quarantine policies in place. However, large group gatherings are still to be avoided. Should we be asked to provide teams outside Virginia, it is incumbent on each of you to determine whether you are comfortable with any risk associated with a deployment. There will be fewer volunteers at each church to help mitigate risks with COVID.
You can see the similarity of the tracks between Laura and Camille in 1969 which is why we will wait before committing any teams out of state.
What you can do now is pray for those in the path and those who will be serving, give to SBCV DR (all donations will be used to support the response and is used to assist those directly who are affected) and for volunteers, and prepare to go. Check your what to take list and make arrangements so that if and when teams are needed you are ready.
Finally, this is a time for churches to be ready to serve your community should the need arise. All disasters are local, and a response begins locally. Are you ready?
We have recovery trailers equipped with chainsaw and flood recovery tools and equipment available to deploy that can be used by local church Disaster Relief teams. We will deploy recovery teams as needed within COVID-19 guidelines, generally using day work teams, meaning you will not be staying overnight and meals must be brought with you.
If you have damage in your area, please email disasterrelief@sbcv.org with as much information as you have and include photos if you can. We will send out an email requesting teams or individuals as needed after the storm passes.
This is also a good opportunity to conduct a church centered Disaster Relief training.
All Disaster Relief Orientation and credentialing will be conducted in small groups facilitated by the local church using online training. Click here to register and find more information on conducting training.
If you have any questions please feel free to email us at disasterrelief@sbcv.org.
Conduct an online training at your church
The SBC of Virginia offers online training to equip members of SBC of Virginia churches so they are able to respond during times of disaster. Each training is conducted in small groups facilitated by the local church using online training. The training offers necessary instruction for volunteers to respond with other Southern Baptists around the world during times of disaster and crisis. The training is practical and allows those, 18 years old and above, to serve with confidence.
