Over the Fourth of July weekend, an unexpected surge of severe storms brought damaging winds and flooding across the state. Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief (DR) received almost 550 work requests from the Norman and Bartlesville areas.
Work response sites have been set up at Norman, Bethel and Bartlesville, First to host Oklahoma Baptist DR teams as they go out to serve communities affected by the storms. Additionally, teams from Texas and Arkansas have joined the response with teams from Louisiana scheduled to arrive next week.
“We’re grateful to be able to partner with our sister entities to serve (those affected) as we serve one another,” said Jason Yarbrough, director of Oklahoma Baptist DR. “Thank you for your continued prayers and your support as it allows us to bring help, hope and healing in all different situations.”
2026 has seen an uptick in severe storm activity. In late April, a series of damaging tornadoes caused widespread damage in multiple areas and in late February, wildfires spread across northern Oklahoma, burning thousands of acres. Amid the devastation and wreckage, Oklahoma Baptist DR volunteers stepped up to serve.
“This ministry is such a blessing,” said Caleb Jernigan, pastor of Bartlesville, First. “I’m grateful for the way that these men and women tirelessly bless and serve others.”
Along with caring for the physical needs of storm victims, Oklahoma Baptist DR also tends to their spiritual needs. As they work, volunteers share the Gospel to communities and gift them small Bibles.
“I had the pleasure of meeting three of the most pleasant, God-loving, kind, wonderful, hardworking men I’ve encountered since moving to Bartlesville,” said Gail, a resident in Bartlesville. “You’ll never fully know the gift you have given me. I felt your prayers and the Bible was such a beautiful gift.”
For more information about Oklahoma Baptist DR or to submit a service request, visit http://www.okdisasterhelp.org/.
