NASHVILLE (BP) — Search and rescue efforts continue across Kentucky even as recovery efforts have begun in Missouri following deadly storms that swept across the region May 16-17. More than 25 people were killed by the storms and thousands suffered injury and loss.

Send Relief’s St. Louis Ministry Center Director Traci Byrd asked for prayer for those affected by the storms and that local churches will have opportunities to respond to the needs in the community.

“Pray that our local churches will shine as a light in the darkness, offering love to our neighbors in need,” she said in a Facebook video.

Byrd thanked Southern Baptist Disaster Relief already on the ground in St. Louis.

A feeding unit was already working Saturday (May 16) in St. Louis, according to Missouri Baptist Convention State Executive Wes Fowler.

“Our shower unit, chainsaw teams and chaplains are also being mobilized. Please pray for DR (disaster relief) staff and volunteers as they bring help, hope and healing to those who are hurting,” Fowler told Baptist Press (BP) May 17.

The majority of the casualties occurred in Somerset and London, Ky., where 19 people were killed according to Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear.

High Street Baptist Church in Somerset focused its Sunday morning service on prayer for the community.

“Our job as the body of Christ is to stand up at this time and to step into the gap on behalf of our neighbors,” Pastor Ed Amundson told the congregation.

In Somerset, the Lake Cumberland Baptist Association building was destroyed by the storm. Despite the loss, Associational Missionary Tommy Floyd is working with Kentucky Baptist Convention Disaster Relief Director Ron Crow to coordinate recovery efforts.

East of Somerset in London, Tommy Tapscott, associational mission strategist for the Laurel River Baptist Association, has also been working with Crow.

“We’re putting things together, getting a plan,” Tapscott told Kentucky Today. “Ron Crow and I are getting DR teams together to come and starting the relief effort that way. We’ve secured a location.”

At Corinth Baptist Church in London, Ky., Pastor Andrew Dyer led the church in an extended time of prayer during the church’s worship service.

“Every single one of us in this place needs the Lord, the help of the Lord, the strength of the Lord,” he said. “We need Him.”

Dyer said “the last 36 hours seemed like a month” as the community had experienced tremendous loss.

Both state conventions provide online opportunities to support disaster relief efforts. To give in Kentucky, click here. To give in Missouri, click here.

Send Relief, Southern Baptists’ compassion ministry arm, also has a site to help recovery efforts in both states.

EDITOR’S NOTE — Brandon Porter serves as vice president for communications at the SBC Executive Committee.