John Parsons
Disaster Relief Areas of Ministry:
- Feeding
Preparing and serving hot meals is the backbone of Southern Baptist Disaster Relief ministry. With this in mind, every Oklahoma volunteer is trained to work on the feeding team. Specific training is provided in maintenance, warehouse, sanitation, cooking and line serving.
- Damage Assessment
Team members go ahead of chainsaw and mud-out teams to evaluate damage and inform follow-up teams on scope of each job, including equipment that will be needed.
- Chainsaw
The chainsaw team removes damaged trees and other debris blocking doorways and/or driveways, trees leaning against homes, and limbs broken through roofs or causing a hazard in yards. Experience in operating a chainsaw is desirable, but not mandatory. This group of volunteers cleans outhouses, garages, sheds, barns, yards, streets, and community areas helping people to have a safe environment after a disaster has occurred.
- Mud-Out Removal
Members must be in good physical condition and willing to work in unpleasant, dirty situations. Volunteers need to be conscious of health and safety hazards, taking necessary measures in order to keep themselves and others out of harms way.
- Showers and Laundry
This team gives aid to relief workers and others who are in need by providing showers and laundry support in the disaster areas. The trailers have private shower stalls as well as washing machines, dryers, storage and folding areas. Volunteers receive and assist those requesting their services do laundry, sanitize showers, empty trash, replace needed supplies, and keep the trailer area neat.
