They are making a big impact.
This spring has posed significant challenges for survivors of disasters, particularly for Texans on Mission (TXM). TXM wrapped up its response to wildfires in the Panhandle by late March, only to confront a series of spring storms starting on April 10. Rupert Robbins, associate director of TXM Disaster Relief, reported that the organization has already responded to 11 declared disasters this year, compared to 20 last year and 14 the year before. Following another storm in East Texas, TXM continues to assess and respond to the evolving needs of affected communities.
Robbins highlighted the unprecedented nature of this spring, noting that TXM deployed four Incident Management Teams (IMTs) simultaneously in May, which is rare. The dedication and resilience of TXM’s volunteers have been remarkable as they address both the physical and spiritual needs of disaster relief. Their efforts focus on supporting affected individuals, aiming to reflect the compassionate spirit of Jesus through their actions and support.
In recent months, TXM volunteers have been actively responding to tornado damage in various communities such as Port Arthur, Kirbyville, Rising Star, and Valley View, among others. They have also provided aid in areas affected by flooding along rivers like Trinity, East San Jacinto, and West San Jacinto, as well as in West Texas areas like Hawley. Relief efforts have extended to areas hit by hurricane-strength straight-line winds in northwest Houston and counties including Dallas and Kaufman.
Robbins emphasized the extensive impact of these disasters, noting that the damage often spanned hundreds of square miles. Hundreds of volunteers have been deployed to the affected areas, with additional support from out-of-state Disaster Relief units. As of now, 755 volunteers have dedicated 39,209 hours of service this year, and these numbers are expected to rise with ongoing deployment efforts.
Since the flooding began in southeast Texas, TXM has received nearly 1,100 work requests, surpassing the total of 805 requests received throughout 2023. The relief efforts have also involved collaboration with Southern Baptist Disaster Relief units from multiple states, including Arkansas, Louisiana, Arizona, and Alabama, highlighting the collective effort to aid communities in distress.