Urban Youth Help West Get Back on it's Feet

“The best mission camp trip, EVER,” is how Jessica Morgan (15) described this year's summer youth trip to West, Texas.

Ten youth and two adults from Baptist Temple/Family Deaf Church/Betel family of churches took part in Texas Baptist's first student disaster recovery ministry, BOUNCE. This new, pre-packaged student mission experience provides youth the opportunity to assist communities in their efforts to BOUNCE back from the devastation that exists after disaster has struck.

In West, Texas a fertilizer plant explosion in April 2013, killed 15 people, including a dozen first responders, and injured 160. More than 1200 Baptists joined the army of volunteers who have converged upon this small town from the beginning. A year later, the cleanup phase is done and the rebuilding is underway.

The Baptist Temple team joined several other churches in a variety of projects. One group framed a new house, while another group finished a house framed last week. Others worked on repairs, roofing and other projects.

Days were filled with meaningful work and evenings featured times of worship and reflection designed to help participants encounter and respond to God. Brianna Haddock (17) said, "I can't believe I took part of such an amazing project. The work in one week is absolutely astounding! If you're wondering, God is good and West is blessed!"

Team sponsor, Steve Grinnell reports that the town's people expressed gratitude for the Bouncers presence. FBC West's pastor told the teams, "You are doing more than just painting a wall, you are restoring lives. You are demonstrating what real Christian love looks like."

Heather Fisher, also a team sponsor, said that the teens felt they were doing something worthwhile in helping West recover. Carmen Zayasbazan (15) suggested that we register for next year right away so we can reserve a spot.

Click here for pictures of the event.

In addition to West, BOUNCE will also go to flood damaged Austin and Moore, Oklahoma, where a tornado struck last year.

Baptist Church to Host Grand Ole Opry

Two Rivers Baptist Church in Nashville will be hosting the Grand Ole Opry on May 14. The usual venue was closed because of recent flooding putting the weekly country music stage concert at risk of cancellation. Broadcast by WSM radio since 1925, this Nashville icon is the longest running radio program in history.

Ed Stetzer, interim pastor of Two Rivers, believes this to be an opportunity for his church to help Nashville recover from the natural disaster that damaged the city. The church is doing many other things to aid in the disaster recovery but this level of cooperation is unique and marks the church as a member of the community.

Churches need not wait for disasters to be a blessing to the community. One urban church I know hosted a hero’s breakfast for city police, fire and EMT workers. A small town church started a community library. When churches become community centers for things that are not directly religious they develop into valued partners in the community development process.

There are, of course, limits to what a church can do and still maintain its witness. On the night they will be at Two Rivers Baptist Church, the Opry will feature Charlie Daniels, who is an active Christian and has assured that the show will be appropriate for a church venue.

Hurricane season can put churches on the front lines of ministry

I recently attended meeting last week with the Baptist Children and Family Services (BCFS) Medical Sheltering Operations Coordinator, Jon Bodie. Also at the meeting were Methodist, Presbyterian, non-denominational and Baptist churches who had agreed to use their gyms and fellowship halls to house hurricane evacuees who need special care.

BCFS is the principal medical needs shelter provider for the state of Texas, serving more than 1,700 evacuees in Katrina and Rita, and sheltering more than 2,800 evacuees during 2008 from Hurricane Ike, Dolly and Gustav.

Some hurricane evacuees are medically frail and cannot be adequately managed in a general population shelter. These individuals have breathing devices, walkers or need regular medication but are not sick enough for hospitalization. They are sent to specially prepared shelters provided by churches throughout San Antonio. The churches provide space and volunteers and BCFS provides medical staff, food, laundry, garbage removal, security and all other needs.

BCFS also provides training for general volunteers and shelter managers. Churches are needed to be shelter sites and provide volunteers. Even churches that cannot provide a site can provide volunteers to serve at other sites.

When disaster strikes everyone wants to be on the frontlines of ministry but the unprepared are left on the sidelines. Plan now to be a vital part of this ministry response. Contact Jon Bodie: JBodie(at)bcfs.net

“Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning…” Luke 12:35 (NIV)