Disasters and Open Doors
First Baptist Morgan City
When Hurricane Francine struck in 2024, Pastor Tracey Smith’s home -along with hundreds of others along the Louisiana Gulf Coast – suffered water damage. Yet amid his own crisis, Tracey led First Baptist Morgan City to complete around 400 service projects, hosting 80-90 volunteers from different states.
As a certified Chaplain, Tracey had experience with Disaster Relief (DR) while deployed to Florida following Hurricane Ian along with his wife, Marci, who assisted with mudouts. Their service gave the Smith’s the opportunity to offer hope amid unspeakable destruction. When disaster struck at home, Tracey discovered the yellow-shirted DR volunteers could open previously closed doors in their predominantly Catholic community.
“Response following storms changed opinions about church and created relationships,” Tracey notes. Janice Gray represents this impact. After receiving assistance for storm damage, she began attending FBC services regularly. Janice was baptized on Mother’s Day.
The Georgia Barnette Louisiana Missions Offering provides essential support for Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief efforts, enabling rapid response when disasters strike. Your gifts equip volunteers like Tracey and Marci to be the hands and feet of Christ during communities’ most vulnerable moments.
Prayer Needs
-
For Tracey’s family as they balance pastoral duties with disaster relief deployments.
-
For the church’s continued readiness to respond to future disasters.
-
For Janice, and others touched by their ministry, to grow in faith.
- For faithful giving to the Georgia Barnette Offering so DR teams can quickly mobilize when the next catastrophe strikes.
September Prayer Emphasis
Week 1: Disasters And Open Doors
Week 2: Going Where The People Are
Week 3: A Language That Connects
Week 4: New Life. New Vision