Disaster Relief

Hurricane Ian passed through Florida three weeks ago, but the lengthy recovery task will continue in the days, weeks and months ahead.

As Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) nears 500,000 meals prepared in the wake of Hurricane Ian, volunteers have completed approximately 730 recovery jobs for homeowners. 

They work long hours in heartbreaking situations. They dig through mud, use chainsaws to cut massive trees, cook huge batches of food before the sun rises, embrace and console those who are hurting. And they share the name of Jesus wherever they go.

Mickey Caison and his team of South Carolina Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers were exhausted when they pulled into First Baptist Church of Homestead, Fla., on the evening of Aug. 25, 1992, just one day after Hurricane Andrew barreled into South Florida with winds of around 141 miles per hour.

With the 2022 hurricane season predicted to be “above average,” Florida Baptist Disaster Relief and Recovery teams stand prepared and ready to offer “help, healing and hope” to those impacted by the storms.

When Florida Baptist disaster relief volunteer James Hartley arrived at the home of Marian Weeks in Leesville, La., three weeks after Hurricane Laura, he found a massive oak tree splitting her home in half.

Residents in Pensacola and South Alabama are calling Hurricane Sally “Ivan’s little sister,” in memory of the Sept. 16, 2004 storm that ravaged the Florida/Alabama coast.

Severe weather sweeping through Central Florida Aug. 18 spawned twin tornadoes with winds between 105-115 mph that left a 4.6-mile path of destruction through the DeLand community.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Laura striking the Gulf Coast, Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief (LBDR) has requested Florida Baptist Disaster Relief (FLDR) support their ongoing response with two shower/laundry units and at least two clean-up recovery units. 

Florida Baptist Disaster Relief volunteer Linda Gregory has been recognized and honored for her dedication to disaster relief ministry by Volunteer Florida as one of the top 30 volunteers in the state.