Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief Group Leaves For Hurricane Ida Recovery

Today a group from Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief left Owasso for Louisiana to help with the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. 

They had two goals in mind: getting those in need back on their feet and using their faith to give others hope. 

"It's really not about us," said volunteer Kit Williamson. "It's about the folks on the ground that need help." 

These volunteers with Oklahoma Baptist Disaster relief are heading to Bayou Vista, Louisiana and they're expecting to help cook meals for 10,000 people who are still getting back on their feet, two weeks after Hurricane Ida. 

Volunteer Alan Carmichael says he's been volunteering with the group for more than a decade. And still, each time, he gets butterflies.

"I feel nervous," Carmichael said. "I mean we all feel a little nervous about it. But we understand...we've been through so many of these and saw.....the people and what they're going through." 

They won't just be feeding people in need. Williamson says they also want to spread their faith. He says trips like this give them the chance to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

"We go with the intention of meeting their immediate needs, but we also want to meet their eternal needs," Williamson said. "And so, we have chaplains that go with us on the ground, and they share the gospel with these folks." 

Carmichael admits he also gets emotional before a trip but knows there's no other group he would rather serve alongside.

"I got a text from one of the cooks, Becky, last night," Carmichael said. "She says we got this. So....she was ready." 

The team will meet up with another group leaving from Sapulpa and will stay in Louisiana for seven days.