Morehead—Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief crews worked in Rowan, Johnson and four other counties, helping clear flood-damaged homes of drywall and insulation to prevent the spread of mold.

The volunteers not only met the residents’ basic needs for clean clothes and homes—donating the equivalent of 236 work days—but also made 935 ministry contacts, distributed 45 Bibles and 321 tracts, and presented the gospel 59 times, resulting in 17 decisions for Christ.

“For those who were affected, I think reality has started to set in,” said Wayne Cornett, pastor of First Baptist Church of Paintsville.

Cornett’s church partnered with the Kentucky Baptist Convention to offer flood victims in Johnson County free access to showers and laundry facilities. More than 420 showers were provided and 15 loads of laundry washed.

“As long as there are shelters, there will be people who need showers,” Cornett said. “And even for those who have been put up in a hotel, hotels don’t come with laundry units. So, it can be a great benefit to folks.”

A call for more volunteers to assist in Rowan County was issued last Tuesday. Director Coy Webb said he expects disaster relief volunteers there to clean mud out of at least 40 homes. As of Friday, more than 124 flood clean up jobs and five repair jobs have been completed.

“We also assisted with recovery relief funds to Johnson and McCracken counties through Paintsville First Baptist Church and Lone Oak First Baptist Church,” Webb said.

“We are thankful for ministry provided to children in Johnson County by Paintsville First Baptist Church and the Blood River Baptist Association,” Webb added. Kentucky Baptist volunteers have cared for approximately 400 children, he reported. (WR)