Many lives were changed.
Texans on Mission (TXM) wrapped up their two-week disaster response to the wildfires in Stillwater, Oklahoma, with their final day marked by challenging conditions. The fires, which affected around 200 homes, left communities devastated, with some houses completely destroyed. The volunteers had spent their time helping survivors sift through debris and clear burned trees, all while battling high winds and ash. On the last day, rain turned the ash into mud, adding to the difficulty of the cleanup work.
Ernest McNabb, the team leader, described the wildfires as unpredictable, with flames hopping from house to house, causing widespread damage. The volunteers worked hard to remove debris, clear tree stumps, and prepare homesites for future rebuilding efforts. Despite the challenges, McNabb emphasized the emotional impact of the work, stating that many of the survivors had lost everything and were now left trying to recover a few precious mementos from the ashes.
For some volunteers, such as retired firefighter David Pinales, this deployment was a deeply emotional experience. He reflected on how difficult it must be for survivors to cope with such a large-scale disaster. Pinales found it eye-opening and expressed gratitude for being part of a team that could offer even small bits of hope to those affected. He shared that, although they didn’t always interact directly with homeowners, their efforts were meant to demonstrate Christ’s love through their service.
Rhetta and R.J. Rogers, another volunteer couple, shared their experience as first-time TXM responders. Both had recently retired, with R.J. encouraged to join the team by a friend. Rhetta, who had been a hairstylist for 48 years, didn’t expect to retire so soon but felt blessed to be able to serve. They both found the work rewarding, particularly after hearing survivors describe the fire’s unpredictable nature, like a fireball bouncing from house to house.
McNabb concluded that the volunteers’ mission went beyond physical labor. He emphasized that the work they were doing wasn’t just about cleaning up, but about showing Christ’s love through their actions and words. Volunteers, he said, not only served physically but also shared hope and encouragement with survivors, embodying the spirit of Christ in the midst of the tragedy.