Over the weekend, a group of disaster relief volunteers from Texas Baptist Men embarked on a mission from Dallas to Little Rock to provide aid and comfort to those affected by the deadly tornado that ravaged the city. David Wells, the Director of Disaster Relief, shared that the team had been closely monitoring the weather and had volunteers on standby, equipped and ready to go, should the need arise. The initial deployment crew included a command center and a large generator.
Texas Baptist Men crews spent the weekend assessing the extent of the damage caused by the tornado before additional volunteers were set to arrive in the upcoming days with power tools and a mobile kitchen. Little Rock has been severely impacted, with over 2,000 homes and businesses destroyed or damaged, according to the mayor.
Texas Baptist Men’s quick response to this catastrophe is a testament to their unwavering commitment to serving those in need. As a Christian organization based in Dallas, Texas, Texas Baptist Men mobilizes Christ followers to change the world by meeting crucial needs after disasters, providing clean drinking water for people around the globe, and equipping the next generation to make a difference for years to come.
Founded in 1967 as a men’s ministry of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, Texas Baptist Men started with a group of men who wanted to share their skills and resources to help others in need. Over the years, the organization has grown to include more than 17,000 volunteers from various backgrounds, ages, and denominations who serve in various ministries.
One of the main ministries of Texas Baptist Men is disaster relief, which delivers help, hope, and healing to millions of people affected by natural or man-made disasters. With more than 5,000 trained disaster relief volunteers, Texas Baptist Men can respond quickly and effectively to any situation. They provide essential services such as mass feeding, chainsaw work, debris removal, mud-out, ash-out, temporary roofing, shower units, laundry units, childcare, and chaplaincy.
Another ministry of TBM is the water ministry, which shares clean drinking water and the “living water” of Christ around the world. TBM has drilled more than 2,500 water wells in 80 countries, installed more than 12,000 community water systems in 35 countries, and distributed more than 30,000 water filters in 75 countries. TBM also trains local leaders and churches to maintain and operate the water systems and share the gospel with their communities.
Texas Baptist Men’s other ministries include builders, who construct camps, churches, cabinets, and more for God’s glory, and discipleship, which raises a new generation to change the world through Royal Ambassadors (RA), Challengers, and Youth on Mission (YOM). Additionally, TBM has special projects that address specific needs such as hunger relief, medical missions, and prison ministry.
TBM has a headquarters in Dallas, Texas, where it operates a warehouse, a training center, and an office. It also has regional offices in Amarillo, Austin, Beaumont/Port Arthur/Orange (BPAO), Corpus Christi/Rio Grande Valley (CCRGV), El Paso/Lubbock (EPLB), Fort Worth/Waco (FWWA), Houston/Galveston (HOGA), San Antonio (SA), and Tyler/Longview/Marshall (TYLM).
TBM’s efforts are supported by donations from individuals, churches, and organizations who share their vision and mission. Additionally, TBM partners with local, national, and international agencies such as Southern Baptists of Texas Convention (SBTC), North American Mission Board (NAMB), International Mission Board (IMB), Baptist World Alliance (BWA), and Samaritan’s Purse.
Those interested in supporting Texas Baptist Men’s mission and joining their efforts can visit their website.
