Hazard—Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers came to the aid of hundreds of residents in eastern Kentucky following the latest winter storm by offering clean water, free labor and the gospel.

Volunteers with Three Forks and Greenup Baptist associations distributed more than 8,000 gallons of bottled water to folks with compromised water lines, said Coy Webb, director of Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief.

Extended low temperatures resulted in ruptured water mains across the state, in some cases, contaminating the water supply of entire communities. State officials estimated that the number of Kentucky households without water climbed to more than 45,000.

Webb said Baptist volunteers also came to the aid of 18 families by removing mud and debris from their flooded homes. Chainsaw units helped another 16 families by cutting downed trees.

Volunteers also had the opportunity to share the gospel and distribute 22 Bibles.

“Disasters create opportunities to share about the good news of Christ,” Webb said. “As we reach a hand of help, it often opens the door for us to share our story of faith—and the result is that people often come to Christ.”

Webb said the volunteers are celebrating four decisions for Jesus Christ that were made during the disaster response. (KBC)