In late November 2015, an epic ice event occurred at Paisano which caused heavy structural and electrical system damage due to the collapse of ice-laden limbs and trees. Superintendent John Frost and the Paisano staff immediately assessed the impact and notified affected cabin owners.
Heavy tree damage occurred in 27 areas with 43 others labeled as medium and 44 more considered light. A total of 17 structures were damaged with two requiring roof repair. Two additional cabins sustained medium damage while 12 received light damage. Four electrical service lines were on the ground, so those fuses had to be pulled. Eighteen electrical connecting services to private cabins were pulled away from the structures. Some cabins were identified as potentially threatened from nearby damaged limbs and trees. These required urgent attention.
A call for volunteers went out to the local community and cabin owners. The response to help in disaster cleanup began immediately. In addition to the year around staff, Robert Fields and men from his church responded. In January, Bill Collins brought a team of young men from the Baptist Collegiate Ministries at Northwestern State University, Louisiana for a week. Several cabin owners came on weekends to help. A Texas Baptist Men Disaster Relief Team of 28 individuals worked for a week in February and brought equipment needed to assist with cleanup. They hauled brush, limbs, and stumps into piles for burning.
With time of the essence, getting everything ready for general encampment has proven to be a challenge both physically and fiscally. The Paisano Foundation reallocated funds from previously approved projects to electrical and trees. The centennial bell tower project was delayed as John Frost reallocated staff to clean-up from the ice disaster. Nevertheless, clean-up continues, and with everyone’s continuing patience and assistance, July 24-19, 2016, will be a time to celebrate 100 years of faithfulness and worship.
From Paisano, a special thank you to everyone who graciously spent personal time and resources to help the encampment. “This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:12