In one of the most active tornado seasons in our state’s history, SC Baptist Disaster Relief units have had many opportunities to minister, even amid the corona virus pandemic. From the February tornado in Spartanburg, to the Easter tornadoes that wreaked havoc in numerous areas across the state, to the Greenville tornado the following week and other storms since, our units have stepped up to give help and hope to those affected.

The Pee Dee Association’s chainsaw unit leader, Ron Taylor, shared this story nine days after an Easter tornado damaged homes in the Marlboro County community of Wallace: Mrs. M said, “My spirit is broken.” There were eight large trees down on her property, including one on the roof and one on the carport. Two days later, after the chainsaw unit had cut and removed the trees and talked and prayed with Mrs. M, her comment was, “I feel whole again.”

 Along with the physical help of cutting trees and moving debris, our teams also give emotional and spiritual care. Near the Orangeburg County town of Neeses, a tornado destroyed numerous homes. As a Disaster Relief unit worked at one property and talked with the family, they found that the wife was having anxiety issues and the children were experiencing nightmares.  The DR chaplain spent much time with the mom, listening and giving encouragement, and the father received Christ when the team witnessed to him. 

The hardest-hit city in the tornado outbreak was Seneca. Now in the fourth week of recovery efforts there, our chainsaw units have concluded work except for the local Beaverdam Association unit, which is finishing up some tree debris removal with heavy equipment. In addition to chainsaw, chaplaincy, and assessment, three laundry units were activated for Seneca. They served residents who were without electricity for an extended time, giving them an opportunity to have their clothes washed, dried and folded at no charge during their time of hardship. 

Many, many thanks to the DR volunteers and local church volunteers who have ministered to countless people over the past few months, giving help, hope, and healing to people in need!

SC Baptist Disaster Relief activity in 2020 to date (as of May 6) is reported below. All activity has been in our own state.

 SCBC DR Director Randy Creamer comments, “The start of the 2020 hurricane season is fast approaching. As always, we are trusting God to provide His unfailing strength, presence, and love through the ministry of Disaster Relief.”