The state of Texas is currently battling a massive wildfire crisis in its Panhandle region, with the roaring fires having become the largest recorded blaze in the state, claiming two lives, and forcing huge evacuations from the area. In response to the crisis, numerous Christian organizations have mobilized to help out, including groups like the Convoy of Hope, Texas Baptist Men, and Operation Blessing.
The fires, which are so far mostly uncontained, have spread across well over a million acres and even spread into Oklahoma and forced the temporary closure of a nuclear plant. The governor, Greg Abbott, had declared a disaster in dozens of counties to help the authorities respond to the disaster, though containment has proven difficult to effect.
Gov. Abbott, commenting on the wildfires, said, “The countless Texans who have been impacted by these devastating wildfires are going through challenges that require our ongoing support and assistance as we work together to help the entire Panhandle region rebuild and return to normalcy,” said Governor Abbott. “I thank the many leaders and emergency management personnel here today who are working around-the-clock to swiftly respond to active wildfires and provide the resources impacted Texans need. Even in the midst of these devastating fires, we have seen a tremendous amount of perseverance and resiliency in these communities. Together, we will do everything we can to deliver the resources and assistance Texans need to respond and stay safe.”
But as the authorities battle the blaze, Christian groups are stepping in to provide aid and assistance to those individuals and communities devastated by the blaze. Convoy of Hope, for example, a disaster-response and food provision non-profit, announced that it would be working in Texas and Oklahoma to distribute relief supplies in disaster zones.
“Relief supplies from Convoy of Hope are en route to the affected area. Convoy is communicating with multiple local partners throughout Texas and Oklahoma to assess needs as they arise. As local fires become contained, evacuation orders lifted, and highways cleared, Convoy will move into the disaster zone and distribute additional relief supplies to people in need,” it said on February 29.
Similarly, Texas Baptist Men, a Christian volunteer group, announced that it had stepped in to help out the panhandle town of Fritch, where residents had to evacuate and the fire destroyed dozens of homes. TBM explained that it had sent teams to the area that were now providing, among other things, a shower and laundry unit, with fire recovery services, a chaplain unit, heavy machinery and electronic support units to begin serving the area as well. The group also called for donations to help ranchers care for their animals in the wake of the blaze.
Mickey Lenamon, the CEO of TBM, said, “This is a dangerous situation. The days ahead will require long hours of service in a sensitive situation. People have lost everything they own. They’re looking for help. But they’re also looking for hope for the days ahead. Please pray that Texans on Mission volunteers can provide the practical help people need and can point people to Christ, who brings hope and healing. Whether you are on a team serving or are praying from your home, each of us has a role when Texans on Mission responds after a disaster.”
Also joining in was Operation Blessing. It announced, “A caravan of relief equipment is being deployed from Operation Blessing’s Bristol, TN warehouse that includes a mobile kitchen capable of serving hundreds of hot meals daily, and a box truck full of food and emergency supplies. A shower trailer also being readied for deployment and will follow shortly afterwards.”
It continued, “Additionally, Operation Blessing’s warehouse in Dallas, TX has two trailer-truckloads of emergency relief supplies ready for deployment if needed, including bottled water, shelf stable and ready-to-eat foods, and emergency disaster relief kits containing items such as garbage bags, paper towels, cleaners, hand sanitizer, scour pads, gloves, and N95 masks.”
Featured image credit: Operation Blessing