DALLAS– Members of the Baptist General Convention of Texas River Ministry have been delivering truckloads of supplies and food to help assist the victims of the April 4 flashfloods in Piedras Negras, Mexico, which killed more than 50 and displaced some 1,500 citizens.

According to Dexton Shores, director of the BGCT RM, residents are expressing a mixture of anger and despair. The 1,500 displaced residents, who did not receive a warning from the Mexican government, are currently staying in an auditorium in the small city; 60 more are staying at a border town.

"There’s a lot of shock," he said. "They don’t know what to do."

For the next three or four days, border restrictions will be relaxed to allow the Baptist and other relief workers to help the victims. BGCT members say they are willing and ready to answer the call to help.

"It’s a time people are more open," said Shores "They’re desperate. They’re looking for answers."

In addition to the truckloads of blankets, clothes, food and drinking water, BGCT members plan to help rebuild the 600 homes that were destroyed by the flood. According to Shores, these works will be the practical manifestations of Christ’s love, that can lead others into faith.

Meanwhile, a Texas Baptist Men's disaster-response unit, entitled, “Buckner Baptist Benevolence,” is en route to the region, along with water purification equipment, clothes, shoes and soup.