Hurricane Helene Relief
[UPDATE: February 20, 2025 at 11:30 AM]
We are continuing our relief efforts to those in East TN affected by the devastation of Hurricane Helene.
Tennessee Baptist Mission Board (TBMB) has an initiative under way that they are calling “Arise and Build”.TBMB is partnering with Appalachia Service Project (ASP) in this effort. This effort is to repair homes damaged by Helene and build new homes destroyed by Helene. When this effort was announced Brentwood Baptist donated $40,000 to the effort. During the Christmas concerts at BBC a designated offering was taken. The results of that offering was $275,000 donated to support the Arise and Build campaign for our neighbors in East TN and Western NC.
BBC is not only joining in this effort financially, but we are joining in to build new homes and repair existing homes. BBC currently has a team in East TN doing clean up and home repair. This is the 3rd trip that BBC has made to East TN to reach out to the East TN community providing physical and spiritual support as our neighbors proceed with putting their lives back in order.
As you know, this will be long process. To give you an idea of the devastation and need, here are some statistics from TEMA:
- 500 Houses were destroyed
- 500 houses were damaged, but aren’t in livable condition.
- 500 houses were damaged and in need of repair, but are livable.
- 48 personal bridges to homes were destroyed or damaged and need to be repaired or rebuilt to allow access to the home.
ASP has committed to build 200 homes in the damaged area. TBMB has committed to this effort with by funding and resourcing 40 of these homes, with a possibility for more. As stated earlier, BBC has provided funding to cover about 12 of these homes. That is just the funding part.
Now comes the sourcing part of the equation. In order for it to be possible to provide these homes, it takes volunteers. BBC has a tradition of not only rapidly responding to needs from a disaster, we also provide long term response. In that vein, we will be sending construction teams to build homes.
We have dates for our first 2 build trips. They are as follows:
- March 16 to 22, 2025
- April 27 to May 3, 2025
If you are interested in serving on one of these disaster relief trips, click here.
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California Wildfire Relief
[UPDATE: January 13, 2024 at 10:45 AM]
Brentwood Baptist Church,
As we looked out this weekend at snow-covered neighborhoods, it was a striking contrast to the devastating wildfires in California. Many of you have asked how we can help as these fires continue to impact countless lives.
Our Church Planting Partners and Mission Workers in the affected areas are safe but are now serving their communities in the midst of chaos—offering physical, emotional, and spiritual support. The road to recovery will be long, and our partnership in prayer, giving, and encouragement is vital.
Here are three ways you can help:
- Pray – Lift up the communities affected, asking God to bring peace and hope. Pray for our partners’ safety and wisdom as they serve.
- Give – Support relief efforts in LA by giving HERE.
- Encourage/Go – Pray for opportunities to encourage response workers, support people impacted, and consider joining a short-term journey to assist with relief efforts in LA.
Brentwood Baptist has already released $20,000 to our partners for immediate relief efforts. In the coming days, we’ll share more about how we can walk alongside those affected and provide ongoing support.
Even in difficult times, the message of Christ’s hope is being proclaimed. Let’s continue to pray and act as we partner with those bringing light to these communities.
In Him,
Vicki Howell
Community Missions Minister
Brentwood Baptist Church