HUTCHINSON COUNTY, Texas — In the Texas Panhandle, massive wildfires have scorched more than a million acres, claiming lives, destroying homes, and leaving devastation in their wake.
Among the affected areas, the Smokehouse Creek Fire in Hutchinson County has emerged as the largest wildfire the state has ever confronted.
"They need help by way of food, by way of nonperishable food items, water, Gatorade, diapers," J-Star Ministries founder Patrick Johnson said.
He is gearing up to head to the Texas Panhandle next week to assist with the wildfires. Johnson's organization is dedicated to providing essential supplies to those in need during crises like this.
"Hoping to help," Johnson said. "Like I said, in areas of food, you know, just all of the different nonperishable food items that they need."
Meanwhile, as Johnson prepares for his journey westward, the East Texas Baptist Men have already deployed personnel to the affected region.
"We're en route right now to Fritch. We do have teams on the way that left this morning, and we also have teams that were there yesterday already on the field serving," East Texas Baptist Men Associate Executive Director John-Travis Smith said.
Smith's group is actively engaged in providing fire recovery services and essential donations to those impacted by the wildfires.
"Fire recovery, which is where people go in and actually help sift through the ashes and help people to clear off their home and see if there's anything of value they can find. We also have heavier machinery, equipment that's going there to help move debris and clear that out," Smith said.
Currently, both organizations are mobilizing resources and manpower to provide support to the affected communities in the Panhandle. While Smith's team has over a dozen individuals already on the ground, Johnson is making the trip alone, finding solace and guidance in his faith.
"I don't necessarily mind that because that's my time alone to have my conversations with God or listen to God," Johnson said. "Just to make sure that I'm doing what he would have me to in a way that pleases him."
With their combined efforts, these organizations aim to offer help, hope, and healing to those affected by the devastating wildfires in the Texas Panhandle.