May 8th, 2010

One week ago today, Nashville fell under attack from torrential rains and unexpected floods. Only what can be described as a once in a lifetime event destroyed homes and left many Nashvillians and others living in Middle Tennessee without electricity, food, water, and shelter.

As a result of the catastrophic event, Brentwood Baptist responded throughout the week in various ways serving in Nashville, Madison, Bellevue, Franklin, Glenview, Antioch, and Thompson’s Station.

Along the way, we partnered with area churches including Mill Creek Baptist Church, El Shaddai Church, Thompson’s Station Baptist Church, and Hope Park Church. In addition, we’ve worked in conjunction with the American Red Cross, Tennessee Baptist Convention, and Nashville Baptist Association to assess needs and mobilize more than 400 Brentwood Baptist members to affected areas.

All in all, 55 homes have been touched by our members so far. This weekend, more volunteers were sent to concentrate on going door-to-door in the following neighborhoods: Pennington Bend (Nashville/Madison area), Horseshoe Bend (Franklin), Fieldstone Farms (Franklin), River Plantation (Bellevue), and Lavergne.

According to Scott Harris, Missions Minister at Brentwood Baptist, the Missions Ministry expected to send out at least 600 volunteers from Brentwood Baptist—including their own friends, neighbors, and co-workers—over the course of this weekend.

Many people were sent to shelters in Williamson County, but only stayed one or two nights before moving into homes of family members and friends.

Nine Brentwood Baptist families went so far as to open up their own homes to those whose homes were devastated in the floods. Kara Curry said, “Our family feels extremely fortunate to have suffered virtually no damage from the floods and we [wanted] to be able to help in any way that is needed.”

The parents of Lee Anne Boone, Brentwood Baptist member, suffered considerable damage in the floods and lost much of what they owned.

Stuart, Lee Anne’s husband, said, “The group from the church really gave them some peace as well as the other volunteers. At this point in their lives, minor decisions or disruptions seem overwhelming. They still have a long way to go, but at least they are not having to live in a shelter.”

Bobby and Janet Waters, Brentwood Baptist members, had a duplex in Harpeth Valley Subdivision that flooded. The waters reached the gutters of the one-level home and destroyed all the possessions and cars of the two renters living there.

“Bobby had to leave the home yesterday and just drove down the street,” Janet said. “He came across a man trying to pull a dresser out of his home—alone. Bobby got out and helped him [and] said a prayer for them both. The man said no one had ever prayed for him before. This is such a mission field.”

Several days after the flood, Bob Carlton, Brentwood Baptist Church Planting Minister, showed up to the Waters’ rental home with ten men from Set Free Church in Nashville. They got all the furniture and appliances out, pulled up carpets, and took out dry wall.

Janet said, “God answered prayers bigger than we imagined. After a full day’s work, they asked if they could come back and do more!”

Kairos took on a hurting Nashville and sent out teams to clean up areas. Even “Couponing 101,” a Do Work Do Life event, scheduled this weekend decided to donate all the ticket proceeds to the American Red Cross for flood relief.

Katie Czarnik, one Kairos attendee, started looking for ways to help right where she lives, works, and plays. She said, “I found a way to help! I just went door-to-door in our neighborhood. … Victims of these floods are amazed at the outpouring of love. I heard that over and over again. One nice lady named Betty told me, ‘I have seen Jesus. He has been walking these streets for the last three days offering support of any kind.’”

Eliza Wines, a victim of the floods, said, “Twelve members of the Journey Sunday School class were at my house on Monday to help clean out the garage that flooded over the weekend. I want to give them a big heads up because we would still be digging out if it were not for them. … It’s amazing how the Journey members have come to our rescue this week.”

Gene and Lynn Torti went to help their friends Scott and Ashley Fowler. Gene said, “I must say I wasn’t prepared for what I saw. Their neighborhood looked and smelled just like Pearlington after Katrina.”

Scott and Ashley sustained a large amount of damage from the floods. After checking wall board and flooring, it proved to be more than they could handle. A team went over to help repair their home and get them back inside as soon as possible.

Flood relief still continues and Brentwood Baptist members are continuing to run to help their community and put love into action where they live, work, and play.

To find out how you can give or volunteer to the relief efforts, click here.

By Kaylan Christopher

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