Situation reversed as Ruston’s Burkhardt now on receiving end

By Message Staff

RUSTON – Hunter Burkhardt has ministered to hundreds as a staff member of Rolling Hills Ministries, but a tornado that severely damaged his home in Ruston Thursday, April 25, left him on the receiving end of much needed assistance.

Burkhardt, who serves as human resources manager, arrived at the home of Rolling Hills Ministries Director David Abernathy 15 minutes before the tornado touched down in his neighborhood shortly after midnight Thursday. Once the storm had passed, Burkhardt ventured back into his neighborhood to find numerous downed trees and power lines as well as homes, including his own, badly damaged or destroyed.

By early Friday morning, a Disaster Relief team from First Baptist Church in Blanchard and individuals from Grand Cane Baptist Church arrived to remove debris, including two trees that went through his home. Others from the Rolling Hills Disaster Relief Team and residents of Ruston finished removing debris late Friday.

Burkhardt said he has appreciated the support and love the community has shown to himself and others since the EF3 tornado devastated homes and businesses.

“The response has been phenomenal,” he said. “I’ve seen this community come together and organize at a level I have not seen before. You never realize how important disaster relief is until you need people to help you. I’m so thankful for our disaster relief teams and other individuals who have sacrificed their time and energy to help people like myself.”

Burkhardt is staying with Abernathy and his wife, Jerri, while his insurance company completes its assessment.

“Pray for me, that I have the mental and spiritual strength and determination to keep going,” he said. “So many were affected by this tornado and we appreciate what everyone is doing for us throughout the state.”

Since Thursday afternoon, more than 5,500 meals have been served from the incident command center at Rolling Hills Ministries. Hundreds of Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers have worked in the area and have completed at least 50 chainsaw jobs. The cleanup is expected to continue for weeks.

To donate to the disaster relief effort, visit the Louisiana Baptists Disaster Relief website.