Water standing in the Randall House Publications pressroom (Photos courtesy of Danny Conn) Editor's note: Former Miller County pastor, Roger Russell Sr. sent this article and photo of the flood in Nashville, TN, the first of May.

Nashville, TN—After more than 12 inches of rain fell in a 48-hour period, the Middle Tennessee area sustained widespread flooding. The Cumberland River continues to rise and is expected to crest at record levels later today. Eleven people have died across a five county area, and thousands of Nashville residents remain without water and power. More than 600 have been evacuated by boat, and rescue operations continue.

Free Will Baptist organizations and churches have been impacted significantly by the storm. Randall House Publications experienced flooding when the creek running behind the building overflowed its banks. The organization sustained damage to presses, equipment, and stock paper after eight inches of water invaded the pressroom.

Reports continue to arrive from churches across the area. The Donelson, Cofer’s Chapel, Sylvan Park, and Rejoice Free Will Baptist Churches all reported water damage. At Richland Free Will Baptist Church (West Nashville), the women’s bathroom ceiling collapsed. A large number of church members and employees of national agencies have been displaced from homes and businesses, and several were rescued by boat.

In spite of extensive flooding nearby, the National Office Building in Antioch was largely unaffected. Across town, Free Will Baptist Bible College campus experienced only minor damage.

Master’s Men Disaster Response Team is helping to coordinate relief efforts for families and churches affected by the storm. According to Director Ken Akers, “We need volunteers who can help with clean-up efforts. We also need shop vacs, push brooms, squeegees, large industrial type fans, trucks, trailers, and wheelbarrows. Most important, though, we need willing bodies!”

Contact Master’s Men at 877-767-8039 or email masters@nafwb.org.