Sylacauga is hurting as layoffs impact more and more of its residents. Bruce McDonald knows that all too well.
McDonald, a married father of two young children and member of Mignon Baptist Church, Sylacauga, said he is one of six people who will be left unemployed when Motion Industries ceases its Sylacauga operations March 31.
“There are a ton of people in Sylacauga that have been laid off in the past six months, and there’s more to come unfortunately,” McDonald predicted.
Despite that, he is optimistic. Maybe that’s because churches in his city are reaching out to the community. On Feb. 25, an interdenominational event called An Evening of Hope and Encouragement was held at B.B. Comer Memorial High School in Sylacauga for those affected by the current economic situation. It attracted almost 1,000 area residents.
Organized by First Baptist Church, Sylacauga, in Coosa River Baptist Association, the event’s purpose was to hearten residents with praise music and prayer.
Tim Childers, pastor of First, Sylacauga, said churches were encouraged to cancel their regular Wednesday night services so that their members could attend.
Three more Coosa River Association churches in Sylacauga — Marble City Baptist, Mignon Baptist and Odena Baptist — as well as churches representing four other denominations, were involved in hosting the event.
McDonald, who served as an usher that evening, hoped it would spur Sylacauga residents to hold on to their faith in the midst of this situation. “I hope that it glorifies God and lets the community know that God’s still present. And through Him, anything’s possible,” he said.
Joe Richardson, executive director of the Sylacauga Chamber of Commerce, said layoffs during the past six months in south Talladega County — where Sylacauga is located — have affected 1,200 of the area’s 7,500 jobs. Most of the layoffs have been temporary but about 325 were permanent, he noted.
But the current job losses are part of a bigger problem that dates back to 2006, with the closing of Avondale Mills, a textile finisher. That was followed by the closing of other businesses such as Vertis, a producer of direct-mail advertisements, and Spectrum Brands, a producer of fertilizers and household cleaners.
Childers said the idea for the event came to him following a job fair the chamber of commerce held Jan. 9, during which First, Sylacauga, had a table to offer prayer and counseling.
While about 400 people were expected to attend the job fair, the total was more than 1,700. The line for prayer was longer than the one for employment, according to Childers.
He said God laid it on his heart to organize an event to encourage Sylacauga’s residents. “What we were hoping is for hurting people to come together. We wanted to offer them a time of prayer, where we could put our arms around them and pray for them if they had lost their jobs,” Childers said.
Those in attendance heard prayers for the hurting, repentance, area schools and students. Prayers were also offered for the chamber of commerce, city officials and economic development boards.
Michael Trull, senior pastor of Marble City, prayed for Richardson and the chamber of commerce staff in their efforts to recruit restaurants and businesses that will employ residents. “We’re thankful for our town. We’re thankful for the things You’ve already done here. May the jobs glorify You,” Trull prayed.
Near the end of the evening, Childers said about 25 people came to the front of the auditorium for individual prayer with ministers and lay leaders.
And even though the event was for individuals feeling the impact of an economic slump, those who attended showed a willingness to share their resources with others.
Childers said a love offering of $4,300 collected that evening would be given to Sylacauga Alliance for Family Enhancement, a social agency offering numerous services to area residents. Also 1,400 pounds of food items donated at the event will be used by the Care House, an area food bank.
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