National organizations send volunteers to Temple to assist with recovery efforts

TEMPLE, Texas (KWTX) - Since Wednesday’s EF-2 tornado, Temple neighbors have been helping their neighbors, but the disaster is also attracting national attention.

Gena Small hopes to provide some comfort to Temple tornado victims through her words.

“Sometimes I’ll just sit and listen to people’s stories,” Small said. “They’ve gone through such a tragedy and traumatic event that they want to talk about it.”

She’s a chaplain from North Carolina, one of six from the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team, assisting with recovery efforts.

”We work with Samaritan’s Purse,” Small said. “Samaritan’s Purse does the physical work on their yards and houses. The chaplains meet with the homeowner and other people affected by the storm.”

The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team is currently stationed at the Immanuel Baptist Church in Temple and has a trailer setup in the parking lot there, open to anyone needing someone to talk to.

”People just stop by and they know that Billy Graham will pray for them,” Small said. “That’s what one lady told us today and we prayed with her.”

Dustin Sullivan from Mississippi came to Temple to serve with Eight Days of Hope, another national faith-based organization that responds to natural disasters.

”We see a lot of floods, we see a lot of tornadoes and it’s a really desperate time for these people,” Sullivan said.

He and about 60 volunteers are stationed at the Bethel Church and will help cut down tree limbs and move furniture out of flooded homes.

”Sometimes people will have all of their belongings and valuables stripped away from them,” Sullivan said. “They’re desperate and they’re looking for any type of hope or help. It’s encouraging for us to be able to bring that to them.”

Whether through a listening ear or a helping hand both national organizations are looking to bring some light in these times of darkness.

”I think people really want peace,” Small said. “They’re anxious and they’re fearful. I think peace truly only comes through having that relationship with Jesus.”

To get involved with Samaritan’s Purse attend a volunteer orientation at 7:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. held daily at the Immanuel Baptist Church at 1401 W Central Ave #408.

To volunteer with Eight Days of Hope either visit the Bethel Church at 22621 SE H K Dodgen to sign up or visit this link.