For two years, groups from St. Clair Baptist Association churches have made their way to Novi, Mich., to do missions with Orchard Hills Baptist Church. And July 9–16, 14 volunteers from the church came to Shoal Creek Valley to do disaster relief. It’s what partners do.
“Our group is excited to be in Alabama,” Pastor Jon Hix said. “We regard this week as an opportunity to return the favor.”
The team — along with volunteers from Elko Baptist Church in South Carolina; Greensport Baptist Church, Ashville; First Baptist Church, Moody; Sulphur Springs Baptist Church; and First Baptist Church, Pell City — helped rebuild a house for Sherry Smith, her daughter Lori and her grandson J.D. It also helped three families with some cleanup projects, and some Orchard Hills Baptist volunteers worked in the distribution center in Ashville, which has been collecting supplies for those affected by the April 27 tornadoes.
“The Michigan team, led by Pastor Jon Hix, did an outstanding job of serving the folks in the Shoal Creek Valley and in Ragland,” Director of Missions Ben Chandler said. “It was interesting to see how some who had never been in the South before [responded] to our ‘hospitality’ and [experienced] our food. There are no surprises in our partnership, however; when it comes to the gospel, they serve the risen Savior as do we, and our commitment to make Jesus known to the world, even through a disaster, is the key to a great partnership.”
Chandler added St. Clair Baptists look forward to returning to Michigan to work with Orchard Hills.
When asked what motivated him to travel the long distance from Michigan to Alabama, Steve Monette took a pen and drew a cross on a 2-by-4 stud. “This is what motivated me to come,” he said.
Monette and his fellow Orchard Hills volunteers wired the house and repaired the 1,500 feet of waterline coming to the house, which was damaged by the tornado and cleanup machinery. The Elko Baptist team helped with the decks, walls, roof and part of the plumbing.
The volunteers from South Carolina cited a call similar to Monette’s.
“We felt God pushing us to do this,” Pastor Tom Baker said. “It’s been a positive experience for us.”
Newlyweds Deborah and Angelo McCaw were among the 20 team members.
“I’m glad we could help,” Deborah McCaw said. “Angelo and I knew God wanted us to go.”
And the Smith family is very grateful they and so many others were obedient.
“It’s exciting to wake up each morning and see the progress being made on our home,” Lori said. “We are thankful to God for all the people who have come to help us.”
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