HATTIESBURG, Miss. — Mississippi Baptist Disaster Relief (MSBDR) volunteers are on the ground following a severe storm May 6 in south Mississippi that spawned at least three tornadoes, damaging hundreds of homes and two churches.
An MSBDR operations base was established May 7 at Temple Baptist Church in Hattiesburg in support of the Lamar Baptist Association. Teams from Temple, Pearl River County, Cartersville Baptist Church, and Macedonia Baptist Church in Petal began debris‑removal operations in Purvis and anticipate seven to 10 days of work.
Coaltown Baptist Church in Purvis suffered extensive roof and water damage when one of the tornadoes struck during Wednesday night services. Pastor Jimmy Breazeale said about 20 worshippers were inside at the time, but no injuries were reported. The church lost two‑thirds of its roofing across two buildings, and heavy rain caused significant water damage. MSBDR is following up with Breazeale and associational missions strategist John Reid.
A second MSBDR operations site was established May 8 at Easthaven Baptist Church in Brookhaven in support of the Lincoln County Baptist Association. A shower trailer and mobile feeding unit were set up to serve volunteers whose primary role will be debris removal. Incident‑management personnel, chaplains, and assessors arrived Friday, with at least two chainsaw teams scheduled to begin work Saturday. Additional volunteers are being recruited, and operations are expected to last seven to 10 days.
Harmony Baptist Church in Brookhaven sustained major roof and structural damage after the storm lifted part of the roof. The building remained mostly watertight except for the foyer area exposed when the steeple fell. The church also reported displaced AC units and tree damage. MSBDR plans to send teams Saturday to assist with tree and debris removal behind the church. MSBDR will continue to follow up with the church and associational missions strategist David Williams.
MSBDR volunteers ask Mississippi Baptists to pray for affected families and for opportunities to share the hope of Christ through compassionate service. For more information about MSBDR, visit the website or contact Deanna Vail at 601‑292‑3335 or dvail@mbcb.org.
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