This spring has brought unforgettable and devastating experiences for disaster survivors in Texas. Texans on Mission (TXM) recently concluded their response to wildfires in the Panhandle on March 28. However, by April 10, a series of springtime storms began wreaking havoc across the state.
“We have responded to 11 declared disasters already this year,” said Rupert Robbins, associate director of TXM Disaster Relief. “In all of last year, we responded to 20. The year before, it was a total of 14.” Shortly after this comment, another storm struck Tyler and other communities in East Texas, and TXM is currently assessing the needs related to this latest event.
Robbins explained that TXM typically mobilizes an Incident Management Team when teams from other parts of the state are brought in to coordinate multiple responses. “In May this year, TXM had four IMT units deployed simultaneously,” he said. While spring is always a busy season for storms, having multiple large deployments at the same time is unusual.
“Our volunteers have faced significant challenges but have responded with exceptional commitment, stamina, and persistence,” Robbins said. “It is inspiring to see the satisfaction these men and women experience as they work so diligently. Their efforts are both physical and spiritual. Despite the widespread physical destruction, our top priority remains the people we encounter. We strive to embody Jesus' teachings through both our words and actions.”
In the past two months, Texans on Mission has launched relief efforts in response to tornado damage in Port Arthur, Kirbyville, Rising Star, Valley View, Temple, Levelland, San Marcos, and the Canyon Lake area. Volunteers have also addressed flooding along the Trinity, East San Jacinto, and West San Jacinto rivers, as well as in West Texas, including the Hawley area. Additionally, TXM has assisted those impacted by straight-line winds at Category 3 hurricane strength in northwest Houston and in the large urban area encompassing Dallas, Kaufman, Rockwall, and Tarrant counties.
“Just reviewing this list might give the impression it was only nine responses,” Robbins said. “But most of these storms and floods caused damage across wide areas, sometimes stretching hundreds of square miles.”
“We have deployed hundreds of volunteers to the affected areas,” he continued. “We have also received support from out-of-state Disaster Relief units who have come to assist us.” So far this year, at least 755 volunteers have served with Texans on Mission, contributing a total of 39,209 hours. With four deployment efforts still active, these numbers are expected to rise.
Since the flooding in southeast Texas began, Texans on Mission has received nearly 1,100 work requests, compared to 805 requests for all of 2023. Support has also come from Southern Baptist Disaster Relief units from Arkansas, Louisiana, Arizona, Alabama, and the Southern Baptist Convention of Texas.