Texans on Mission Respond to Devastating Tornado in Poplar Bluff, Missouri
In a swift and compassionate response, Texans on Mission deployed to Poplar Bluff, Missouri, following a destructive tornado that tore through the region on March 14, 2025. Among the many affected was Carla Robinette, who vividly described the harrowing experience as “a lot of fear” as she sought divine help during the ordeal.
Robinette recounted hearing crashing noises and praying, “I just asked the Lord to help me.” Thankfully, she emerged from the storm unharmed, but her property sustained significant damage, with trees felled onto her home, and her back porch demolished.
The tornado, classified as an EF3, wreaked havoc across 27 Missouri counties, resulting in the tragic loss of 12 lives statewide, including one fatality in Poplar Bluff. Robinette’s neighborhood was one of many left in disarray, prompting a coordinated relief effort.
Texans on Mission, led by the Harmony-Pittsburg disaster response team, quickly got to work, clearing debris and restoring hope. Robinette expressed heartfelt gratitude, noting, “You don’t know what it means [to me], it means a whole lot. It means gratitude, it means appreciation.”
The team’s dedication was evident as members engaged with homeowners, offering both physical aid and spiritual support. The group signed a Bible for Robinette, a gesture led by Steve Gilbert, a chaplain with the TXM Collin County response team. Gilbert emphasized the importance of addressing not just physical but also spiritual needs, saying, “With one homeowner, I am sensing that there actually is a spiritual need there.”
Bruce Slaven, the Harmony-Pittsburg Unit Leader, described the scene: “If you walk around this block, you’ll see a number of homes that have been damaged from the tornado.” He highlighted the dual mission of Texans on Mission: providing help and spreading hope. “Our first duty in this job is to tell others about Christ,” Slaven said.
The scale of the destruction prompted a significant mobilization effort from Texans on Mission. Wendell Romans, the state chainsaw coordinator, noted, “The devastation that we’re finding is so widespread that we’re going to need probably every chainsaw team we have.” Romans described the response as akin to moving a “little city” due to the comprehensive support provided, including showers, laundry, and meals for volunteers.
By the second week, over 60 team members had set up operations at Temple Baptist Church, working tirelessly to assist affected residents, including Steve Davis, a local church member, and former mayor. “You’re doing a wonderful job,” Davis praised the team, thankful for the swift assistance in removing debris from his property.
The response is expected to continue for several weeks as Texans on Mission, previously known as Texas Baptist Men, remains committed to providing both practical help and spiritual encouragement to those affected by the disaster.
Founded in 1967, Texans on Mission has a long-standing history of empowering Christians to tackle global challenges, delivering relief, and fostering hope and healing. Their efforts in Missouri reflect their dedication to supporting communities in their times of greatest need.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
