A Native American church, Wichita Community Church stood adjoining the campgrounds of the OIABA. The church is related to American Baptist Churches of the Central Region through National Ministries, American Baptist Churches USA.
The historic 19th century church is pastored by Rev. Damon Smith.
The church, its dining hall, OIABA’s open-air tabernacle/arbor and at least one bathroom building were destroyed. Power lines are down throughout the area, and many trees are damaged.
No injuries have been reported. American Baptist Men of the Central Region have dispatched two disaster teams to aid in clean-up.
A representative of the Caddo Nation has surveyed the damage and plans to request assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. In addition, the office of Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry will be asked to declare the campground a disaster area.
“The images of the devastation inflicted by this tornado were made even more heartbreaking because the OIABA was gearing up for its camp meeting, which would have taken place on that sacred site during the first week of June,” says National Ministries’ Associate Executive Director for Program Ministries the Rev. Marilyn Turner. “National Ministries has been working in cooperation with the OIABA and the Central Region to coordinate volunteer and OGHS responses on behalf of American Baptists across the country. We know that, while the ministries of this church, the OIABA and the community will continue, this is another opportunity for American Baptists to serve as the hands and feet of God.”
Because Wichita Community Church and the OIABA campgrounds as well as the contents were uninsured, both are financially limited. American Baptists are encouraged to show their support not only with prayer but also financial assistance. Mail contributions—designated “Wichita Community Church/OIABA Campgrounds, Anadarko”—to “One Great Hour of Sharing,” P.O. Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482.
American Baptist Churches is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with 5,500 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.