‘Whatever It Takes’ Tennessee Church Team Says ‘Yes’ To Helping Flooded Community

Tuesday, November 16 2021 by Richard Hunt

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Waverly, Tenn., Flood
AP Photo/Mark Humphrey
Waverly, Tenn., Flood

 

 

The pastor of Waverly First Baptist Church was incredibly proud of his congregation. For a time, Scott Brown was unable to drive to his church because of high water from the flash flood that ended up taking more than 20 lives. But when he was able to get there he smiled in approval, “My people were already on the ground. They’d already opened the church up for people to come and be safe.” 

In the time since the dramatic flood roared through town, Pastor Brown’s church has served as a shelter, then developed into a feeding station, and also a base for disaster relief teams from the Tennessee Baptist Convention, the Red Cross, and Samaritan’s Purse. 

“We’ve filled every square inch, it feels, of our church facilities” with relief supplies, shipping & receiving. When asked about wear and tear on the church, running the air conditioning 24/7 with doors often open, and stress concerns for the parking lot, Pastor Brown made it very clear, “The building is just a building.” Repairs may be needed later, but “People come first. People are what Christ died for. He didn’t die for buildings. People are God’s heart and therefore our hearts.” 

Pastor Brown points out that other churches in the Waverly area are reaching out as well, and there’s cooperation. Looking ahead, he declares he and his church team are in this cause for the long haul. “All these other things we’re doing is because we love people. And we do it all, and we’re glad and we’re proud and we’re honored to do it all, but our ultimate hope – and our only hope – is in our risen Savior. And that’s what we want to offer people for healing.” The church continues to accept donations. 

In our podcast below, Pastor Brown shares the “significant trauma” that so many of the people of Waverly are experiencing – and his intentions to help them in any way possible.

Pastor Scott Brown
[Photo Credit: Waverly FBC] Pastor Scott Brown
Facebook invite
[Photo Credit: Waverly FBC/Facebook] Food & community 
Many have shared their appreciation
[Photo Credit: Facebook/Waverly FBC] Many have shared their appreciation
Free haircuts note
[Photo Credit: Facebook/Waverly FBC] 
Flood Survivor Resource Meeting
[Photo Credit: Waverly First Baptist Church ] Flood Survivor Resource Meeting 

 

 

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