Just hours after the devastating tornados subsided on February 24, SBC of Virginia churches led recovery efforts with the assistance of other organizations to help local residents impacted. Your prayers, financial giving, and time are needed!

Watch this update from Brandon Pickett, Associate Executive Director of the SBC of Virginia.

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) and local police say that one person was killed in Evergreen and three people were killed in Waverly due to tornados. Officials are on the ground in those areas, as well as Tappahannock, checking house to house to see if anyone is missing.

TAPPAHANNOCK

Witnesses say that in Tappahannock 25 people were seriously injured and 15 homes were completely destroyed with another 15 homes damaged. Three churches (Grace Baptist Church, Mt. Zion, and Ephesus) are working with area shelters (Essex Intermediate School and First Baptist in Loretto) to meet needs.

Tappahannock Virginia Tornado Relief

EVERGREEN

The VDEM is estimating that up to 50 homes were destroyed and another 200 damaged in Evergreen, a community just outside of Appomattox. Evergreen Baptist Church sits within yards of where a tornado wreaked havoc and ripped homes from their foundations. 

The church was virtually unscathed. That is why SBC of Virginia Disaster Relief teams are now using the church as a staging area for a shower and toilet unit, generator, and roofing materials. Gleaning For The world, a ministry of Thomas Road Baptist Church, is already on the scene providing water. Evergreen Baptist Church, with help from the SBC of Virginia, is serving food to those in need.

200 volunteers completed approximately 100 major jobs that includes securing tarps on damaged rooftops of homes and cleaning debris alongside chainsaw units.

Tornado Aftermath in Evergreen, Virginia

WAVERLY

A Virginia State Police spokesman says a 50-year-old, 26-year-old, and 2-year-old were killed when their mobile home was destroyed in the storm. All three were found about 300 yards from the mobile home.

Waverly Baptist Church sits within sight of where a tornado ripped through that town causing severe damage. The church made it through the storm unscathed, but 62 homes were damaged and seven completely destroyed. Volunteers say they have been working all day to bring relief to neighbors in need.

Waverly Virginia Tornado Relief

SBC of Virginia Church Strengthening Team Leader, Steve Bradshaw, shares his visit to the tornado-ravaged area of Waverly.

“As I visited the staging area at the local shopping center and proceeded into the government building, I met with the local SBC of Virginia Disaster Relief coordinators. One was working diligently on fielding calls with donations and coordinating volunteers. The other man was making team assignments. While I was there, we prayed together. The volunteer coordinator looked up and saw a young lady across the hall. He motioned for me to join him. The young lady was the mother of the two year old and the sister of the young man that were killed during the tornado. To watch this volunteer chaplain minister to this woman was amazing. He had quickly built a relationship with her and spoke directly, but with love and tenderness to remind her that God was in control. This same man has helped her generate donations for burial expenses. I witnessed him embrace her and pray yet again. I stood in awe of how the Lord was working in those few moments through our volunteers. And I praise Him for every measure of ministry being provided in the most difficult of times. By the way, this volunteer was at Tuesday’s Prayer Summit in Chesapeake.  Who knew that the Lord was preparing him for what was about to happen on Wednesday?

I also got a chance to visit at Waverly Baptist Church where the Red Cross has set up a shelter. A couple of weeks back, I had met with the pastor. He asked me to pray for him and the congregation as they strive to break down the racial barriers in their town. On Friday, the pastor said, ‘This is how the Lord is working for good in the midst of this crisis. He is breaking down the racial barrier.’ A tornado is no respecter of persons regardless of race or economic status and neither is their resolve to meet the needs at hand. This is a unifying experience in Waverly. So again, we praise the Lord.” – STEVE BRADSHAW

PLAN OF ACTION

SBC of Virginia Disaster Relief teams are working hard to clean up debris, cover damaged roof tops, distribute food and water, and manage a portable shower and toilet unit.  Volunteers are working in collaboration with Liberty University students through LU Send Now.

If you want to get involved, we have been asked that the only donations needed are funding simply because of the limited amount of manpower and storage to manage donated supplies. We ask that you pray for protection, resources, and encouragement for the families impacted and volunteers on the ground. Contact our Disaster Relief Director Jack Noble to learn how you can do more: disasterrelief@sbcv.org

Photo Coverage

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