SBTC DR crews rapidly deploy to help North Texas tornado survivors

WISE COUNTY—The EF-2 and EF-1 tornadoes that swept through Runaway Bay and Springtown northwest of Fort Worth on Saturday, April 25, claimed at least two lives and displaced dozens of families from homes damaged by the storm.

Southern Baptists of Texas Convention Disaster Relief teams rapidly deployed to help. Assessors and chaplains were in the field the next day, while SBTC DR recovery, feeding, and shower/laundry units began arriving on Monday, April 27.

SBTC DR volunteers even sheltered in place on Tuesday, April 28, when yet another tornado threatened.

“Just a lot of heavy rain, some wind, and marble-sized hail hit us,” said Debby Nichols, SBTC DR assessor and chaplain. “It was shaky for awhile but we were good.”

Volunteers are being housed at First Baptist Bridgeport. “We are working Springtown and Runaway Bay from that church,” SBTC DR Director Scottie Stice said.

Feeding, shower, recovery, incident management, chaplaincy, and assessment teams are tirelessly meeting needs. Crews and teams will change over the weekend, Stice confirmed.

To date, teams have contributed 600 volunteer hours, prepared 135 meals, and made more than 130 emotional/spiritual care contacts with survivors.

Stice praised Ryan Alexander, director of missions for the Harvest Association, for his focused and quick logistical assistance. He also lauded the help of the church, saying, “First Baptist Bridgeport is being an incredible host for us.”

“We just come to help wherever we can,” said Terry James, SBTC DR administrative volunteer. “That’s how we share Jesus in a practical way.”

Other SBTC DR crews are poised to deploy as needed. Volunteers are expected to be in the field at least through the first week of May, Stice said.