Newsjournal of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan | September 2023 | Volume 67, Number 9
MICHIGAN BAPTISTS MAKING AN IMPACT IN FLINT
Staff
FLINT, MI – Just a few weeks into the joint disaster relief response to the Flint water crisis, thousands have already been impacted and helped. Beginning on February 16th, the Michigan Baptist Disaster Relief and the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief through the North American Mission Board (NAMB), volunteers are providing free water to Flint residents, eight hours a day, six days a week.
The water is being distributed from the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Flint. So far more than 47,000 bottles of water have been given, more than 120 Bibles have been passed out, and there have been 23 Gospel presentations.
In addition to distributing the free water, teams are also going house to house to install filters designed to help remove lead which may still be present in the water. More than 240 filters have already been installed.
The City of Flint’s water contamination came to light a few months ago. It has been a problem for three years since the city switched its water supply from Detroit to a new water
As of February 15, 2016
authority which was getting its water supply from the Flint River. The contaminated water had elevated lead exposure. Children are the most endangered when exposed to lead.
Michigan Baptist Disaster Relief Director, Win Williams says efforts like this show people in Michigan that Southern Baptists care about them. Williams added, “Disaster Relief works through the local church because we want people to remember the local church once Disaster Relief is gone.”
Baptist State Convention of Michigan (BSCM) Evangelism Director, Mike Durbin says that while continued donations are needed, “The most critical need is for volunteers”. Durbin notes that “lifting cases of water all day can wear you down. I know from personal experience.” The water distribution is taking place at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, 1610 W. Pierson Road, Flint, MI, Mon.-Sat. 9AM-5PM. 8-10 volunteers are needed each day to help with this ministry effort.
Southern Baptists or others interested in volunteering for the disaster relief outreach, can call 1-800-993-1342 or send an email to SBDR_Flint@namb.net.
Churches or individuals that would like to contribute to the Flint Water Crisis, can make a check payable to the Baptist State Convention of Michigan and send it to 8420 Runyan Lake Road, Fenton, MI 48430. In the memo line please note "DISASTER RELIEF-FLINT". The funds will be used to help the Flint Water Crisis.
