WEST, Tex. (BNc) by Mark Teske, GBN and editors — The Adair family are the owners of the fertilizer plant in West that exploded last night, and they are members of the church of Christ in West.

They were in Bible class when they learned of the fire, and were on their way to the location when it exploded.

Also, the preacher for the church in West, as well as other church members, are among those who lost their homes. Prayers are still needed.

Congregations that are assisting in relief efforts include

  • the church in West (P.O. Box 246, West, TX 76691-0246; phone # 254-826-5252),
  • the Westhill congregation in Corsicana (3400 W State Hwy 22, Corsicana, TX 75110-2434; phone # 903-872-5696) and
  • the Lakeshore Drive congregation in Waco (2800 Lake Shore Dr., Waco, TX 76708-1010; phone # 254-753-1503).

Sam Dilbeck, the preacher for the Westhill congregation in Corsicana, tells us that the three greatest needs currently are blankets, bottled water and blood. Westhill is receiving blankets and bottled water and are taking them to West for distribution. Those who are in the area and have the ability to donate blood are encouraged to do so.

Ernie Christie, the preacher at Lakeshore Drive, has told me that the Lakeshore Drive congregation is collecting funds to be used to help those in West. Contributions for that purpose can be sent to Lakeshore Drive and should be marked “West Relief”. Lakeshore Drive also has a relief shelter set up at their building.

Already, churches are responding. The Stiversville congregation in southern-middle Tennessee has sent a financial contribution to assist them in this emergency situation, according to elder Larry Benderman. “We encourage others to do the same,” he said.

Mike Lewis, Associate Director of The Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort in Nashville, Tennessee said that a truckload of needed items is already on its way to the West congregation’s church building.

Suzanne Barker wrote in the comments:

My dad is an elder at West church of Christ and said that New Road church of Christ will be helping them handle the administration of the efforts that are coming their way. Alan Ritchie, an elder at New Road is overseeing this effort. His number is 254-366-2892. The address for the church is 3100 S New Rd Waco, TX 76706. I believe Lake Shore is going to be taking in the delivery of the truck from church of Christ Disaster Relief and helping distribute those items.

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