March 27, 2025
The widespread flooding that rocked Eastern Kentucky over the weekend was different than the devastating 2022 flood, said Jamie Reynolds, associational mission strategist for the Three Forks Baptist Association.
Reynolds, who was a key player during the recovery from the 2022 flooding, said residents were better prepared this time because of advanced warning. Meteorologists were predicting the flooding well in advance. In the Knott County area, he said, it was more of a “slow river-rise flood” instead of the flash floods in 2022 that came in the dark of night without warning.
“In the counties it hit, it got almost every holler in that county,” he said. “Most of the flooding (this time) appears to be more in downtown areas around rivers, like in Whitesburg and Hazard. It is mostly businesses and maybe some outflying areas where homes are as well.”
Reynolds said there’s still plenty to do but most of it will be typical cleanouts of basements.
A proponent and sometimes volunteer for Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief, Reynolds said teams will be welcomed.
“They are absolutely invaluable,” he said. “You can’t put a price on it. Besides the hard work they do it and do it for free but the attitude and ministry they come with. They’re not just bringing help but hope that things will get better but also healing spiritual lives. No question, Disaster Relief is the best thing we do as Southern Baptists. I believe that. They do things in a way to open up spiritual conversations. Cut me and I bleed CP (Cooperative Program, which helps fund Disaster Relief).”
Reynolds said churches in his association may have been spared serious damage from the flood waters.
“In our association, everything I’ve heard of has been relatively minor,” he said. “Maybe some water in the building but at least in one church two or three church members jumped in and cleaned it up.”
He said Mousie Baptist, which was hit hard in 2022, got into its new fellowship hall before Christmas and was flooded again over the weekend although not as significantly impacted. The Three Forks association represents churches in Knott, Perry, Lee, and Letcher counties.
“As far as churches are concerned, it has not been that bad here,” he said. “More individual homes that were flooded this time were not flooded last time. With the river-rise flood, it floods traditional places that are closest to the rivers and creeks.
“It’s a little disheartening but what are you going to do? Psalm 46 is our Psalm.”
It says in verse 1, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
Reynolds said the association would be setting up a hotline for people who need help can call.
“I would say at least Tuesday before we have even a decent handle about what we’re talking about. And they’re predicting snow on Wednesday.”
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This story first appeared in Kentucky Today.
