We did a story on KTRH recently about the work of the highly trained volunteers manning the SBTC hotlines. They've provide KTRH with this update:
Grapevine, TX — April 2, 2020 — Chaplains withSouthern Baptists of Texas Convention Disaster Relief are helping people like Darlene to navigate through the emotional stress brought on by the Coronavirus pandemic.
Trained chaplains from across the state are operating a toll-free hotline (1-800-921-3287) for people to call for the purpose of receiving prayer and encouragement. The hours have been expanded as the hotline is now open seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Voicemail is available for after hours.
Chaplain Dennis Parish explained that he was able to visit with Darlene, a middle-aged woman from North Texas.
“With the health issue she had been dealing with, her great fear was that she was going to get the virus.” Parish, a pastor in the Houston Metro area, said Darlene was feeling overwhelmed. “I prayed that the peace that passes all understanding would just become so real to her.” According to Parish, Darlene concluded the call by responding: “you don’t understand how much this phone call means to me.”
The hotline will remain available for as long as the crisis remains.
“We are so grateful to be able to provide this service for those in need,” said SBTC DR Director Scottie Stice.