Georgia Baptists join Mississippi relief efforts after winter storm

Sunday, February 8, 2026

Mississippi Baptist Disaster Relief teams, supported by volunteers from other states including Georgia, are now on the ground across north Mississippi, serving communities impacted by recent winter storms and working in challenging conditions to bring help, hope, and healing in Jesus’ name.

Mississippi Baptist Disaster Relief operations are coming alongside local Mississippi Baptist churches across the affected areas, many of which have already been serving as warming stations, clearing driveways, and providing essential supplies to families affected by the severe weather. Volunteers are working to meet urgent needs and support communities still recovering from power outages and storm damage.

Dwain Carter, director of  Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief, said GBDR volunteers are assisting with relief efforts in the region. “We are in Corinth and Blue Mountain, Mississippi, to bring help, hope, and healing to those residents who were impacted by the ice storm,” Carter said. “There are many in the area who are still without electricity. Please pray for our volunteers, the residents, and the people of this community.”

Carter said there are 54 volunteers currently deployed, and that teams have already received more than 170 requests for assistance.

Relief teams are assisting homeowners with the removal of trees, limbs, and debris to allow access to homes and needed repairs. Priority is being given to those unable to clear debris themselves, including the elderly, infirm, homebound, disabled individuals, hospice patients, single parents, and others facing similar challenges. Teams are also working to assist first responders, healthcare workers, and utility line crews who may be deployed during the storm response and are unable to address needs at their own homes.

Mississippi Baptist Disaster Relief leaders expressed gratitude for the partnership of the Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief Network, sister state conventions, and every volunteer serving with compassion. 

For Georgia Baptists, the response reflects a longstanding commitment to cooperative disaster relief ministry, as trained volunteers regularly deploy across state lines to serve neighbors in times of crisis. Quillian Mercer, assistant director of GBDR, will be at the Mississippi site on Monday and said, "Volunteers from Mississippi spent weeks in our state helping us after Helene hit. We are glad to show our love to our brothers and sisters there."

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Caption: A Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief volunteer takes down limbs of a tree damaged by ice storms in Mississippi. (Photo/GBDR)

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Caption: Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief vehicles stage at a church in Corinth, Mississippi. (Photo/GBDR)