Texas Baptist Men Chainsaw for Christ

(ABILENE, Texas) Ministry is often thought of as praying and witnessing, but one group of believers is using chainsaws to share the love of Christ. After Saturday’s tornado, about 20 men and women from Texas Baptist Men (TBM) began installing roofing tarps and clearing trees from homes and yards with chainsaws. Officials say the tornado damaged about 100 residences and businesses in Abilene.

Damage from Saturday’s storm
Photo courtesy: Terry Beal

TBM began initial clean-up and assessment on Sunday and initiated relief efforts on Monday. Chainsaw teams work to remove large branches which have fallen on roofs or pose a threat to the house. Blue tarp teams install temporary roof solutions to protect the home from flooding. Mudout teams remove wood and sheetrock which could grow mold.

The TBM crew from Wylie Baptist Church in Abilene has served throughout Texas and around the U.S. for the past eight years. They were preparing to travel to Longview, Texas after a similar storm when the tornado hit Abilene. The team saw it as a special opportunity to serve their own community.

In addition to their chainsaws and tarps, TBM volunteers are armed with Bibles in English and Spanish.

TBM volunteers cut down damaged tree limbs

“We always ask if people know Jesus and offer to pray with them,” said Mark Reeder, a 1979 HSU alumnus and TBM volunteer.

The group gives priority to people whose homes have the worst damage, especially if they are elderly or have no insurance to help pay for repairs.

“Our goal is to make sure everybody gets help who needs it,” said Terry Beal, Blue Cap Team Leader for the Abilene area crew.

While some TBM volunteers are retired, others volunteer on top of their work responsibilities. Beal is the owner of Sleeping Giant in Abilene where he also impacts his community by providing mattresses to the Ben Richey Boys Ranch and Hendrick Home for Children.

A TBM volunteer uses a chainsaw to remove a damaged limb

Additional TBM crews were sent to San Angelo, Texas to feed 100 families three meals a day as relief efforts begin. The families were displaced due to damage to their home or lack of electricity. The TBM Feeding Unit serving these families is based in San Angelo, enabling them to impact their own community as well.

TBM asks for prayers for both the volunteers and families affected by the storm. Donations for their efforts can be given by check to Texas Baptist Men, 5351 Catron, Dallas, Texas 75227, by phone at (214) 381-2800 or online here.

About TBM

Since 1967, TBM has responded to every major natural disaster in Texas, helping people recover from natural disasters and working proactively on numerous fronts. TBM travel around Texas collaborating with communities for restorative justice, outdoor excursions, youth activities, and leadership training.

Around the world, they impact lives and communities by providing access to clean water, hygiene training, disaster preparedness, and disaster relief. Contrary to the name, almost half of the members of TBM are women, and not all who serve are Baptist.