DR volunteers help clean up areas affected by Hurricane Ida. Photo by Christi Capshaw (and above photo).
BAYOU VISTA, La.—Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief (DR) is serving Hurricane Ida victims in one of the hardest-hit areas from the hurricane. DR volunteers started journeying to Louisiana on Monday, Aug. 30, with other volunteers following later that week.
DR’s Incident Command team is set up at Bayou Vista Baptist Church. More than 40 trained volunteers will be serving through DR’s feeding units and recovery teams. Don Williams, state DR director, reported the feeding units will be producing 10,000 meals a day for the community.
Many volunteers have been serving victims in Houma, La., who suffered greatly from the hurricane. Williams said the whole city of Houma has been without power for nearly two weeks and may not regain power until the end of September or later.
DR volunteers set up their work stations at Bayou Vista Baptist Church in Louisiana. Photo by Brad Biddy.
“Oklahoma Baptists are ready to respond when disaster strikes, and these volunteers will be providing help, healing and hope to these communities and individuals in Louisiana,” Williams said. “We know we are doing the Lord’s work. We are helping people physically, so we can talk to them spiritually.”
The area where Oklahoma DR is serving also has a gas shortage. Williams said many residents are having to wait three hours in lines at gas stations. Since they are without power in their homes, hurricane victims are relying on their cars to have air conditioning during the muggy weather.
Williams reported DR will be sending volunteers to Louisiana on a weekly basis, relieving crews working in the affected areas.
A DR volunteer offers a Bible to a hurricane victim. Photo by Christi Capshaw.
Visit okdisasterhelp.org for more information about Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief or to make a financial donation to relief efforts.
