Southern Baptists of Texas Disaster Relief leader Scottie Stice (second from right) was among those from several faith groups honored for their contributions to DR at an event Sept. 7 in Washington.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (BP) — Southern Baptists of Texas Convention (SBTC) Disaster Relief (DR) Director Scottie Stice joined others at the National Mall Sunday (Sept. 7) for an event honoring those who lead from a point of faith in times of crisis.
The “Foundation of Faith: Prayer, Action, and Hope in Times of Disaster” event drew more than 200 people to the National Mall to honor faith leaders and their disaster relief work across the country. Sponsored by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), it was the first faith-based disaster recovery event on the National Mall. It is also HUD’s fifth Innovative Housing Showcase in partnership with the Trump administration’s America 250 initiative.
Scott Turner, HUD secretary and a Southern Baptist, spoke on the spirit of selflessness represented among those honored.
“… When disaster hits, (it) doesn’t matter (if you are) Democrat or Republican (or) where you come from,” he said. “All that matters is are you gonna answer the call when Jesus calls you to go? Are you willing to lay your life down for your brothers and your sisters in a time of need?”
Grant funds appropriated by Congress are allocated through HUD to rebuild areas impacted by natural disasters, especially those in low-income areas, and provide seed money for the long-term recovery process.
At the event, Stice briefly shared the work of Southern Baptists in Kerrville, Texas, after a flash flood in July killed 138 people. Two remain unaccounted for.
“This White House, FEMA and other government agencies like HUD appreciate local partnerships built through the faith community,” he told Baptist Press. “They recognize the value we bring to a response, and after that first response, to continue ministering to survivors and first responders.”
The role of faith becomes evident in those providing aid in such situations, Stice added.
“It goes to the motivation of the volunteer,” he said. “The volunteer wants to honor God and serve their neighbor. They want to do an excellent job and are there to serve.”
SBTC Disaster Relief volunteers have given 20,480 hours to the Central Texas flooding response. That time has brought 14,458 meals, 2,088 loads of laundry and nearly 2,000 emotional or spiritual care contacts.
Turner, a member of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, also spoke on the reliability of faith-based disaster relief volunteers.
“Y’all see that Capitol behind you?” Turner asked in his Texas drawl. “That’s a beacon of freedom. Jesus died so we may be set free. And just as strong as that Capitol is standing on this National Mall, we’ll stand strong for the Lord and stand strong for His people, whether it’s in Kerrville, Texas, whether it’s in Altadena, Calif., (or) Palisades, whether it’s in North Carolina … we will stand, and we will show up.”
(EDITOR’S NOTE – Scott Barkley is chief national correspondent for Baptist Press.)
