Friendship’s Johnson honored as ‘salt and light’

On May 18, Randy Johnson thought his church was about to receive a commendation when Joe Godfrey, executive director of Alabama Citizens Action Program (ALCAP), appeared at the end of the service.

Johnson, pastor of Friendship Baptist Church, Bon Secour, in Baldwin Baptist Association, figured Godfrey was there to recognize the church for its contributions to ALCAP the past two years.

Instead Godfrey presented Johnson with the 2014 ALCAP-Dan Ireland Salt & Light Award.

“It was quite a surprise,” Johnson told The Alabama Baptist.

The award is named for Dan Ireland, director emeritus of ALCAP who was executive director for 30 years. In 2013, Ireland received the first award. Johnson is the second recipient.

Godfrey said, “This award was established to honor individuals who have made a difference in their community and in our culture for the cause of Christ. It is for individuals who have ‘lived out’ the command of our Lord Jesus in Matthew 5:13–16 to be ‘salt and light’ in our world.”

Johnson said he considers Ireland a “hero.”

ALCAP lobbies the state Legislature regarding moral issues and works with churches addressing such concerns in their communities and counties. Also ALCAP provides resources to schools and churches for dealing with substance abuse, bullying and other matters.

Godfrey noted that Johnson has ministered for 30 years at Home of Grace, a Christian program in Vancleave, Miss., for people dealing with substance addiction. Johnson has spoken at Mobile Rescue Mission, jails and prisons.

While a pastor in Jackson County, Miss., Johnson and other ministers sent 60,000 letters, urging residents to vote against gambling.

In the 1990s, Johnson was involved in an effort to get Mobile city officials to close strip clubs and an adult bookstore.

Johnson has been pastor of First Baptist Church, Oakman; Central Baptist Church, Opelika; Cypress Shores Baptist Church, Mobile; and churches in Mississippi and Louisiana.

Currently he is moderator of Baldwin Association, adjunct professor with the University of Mobile and a member of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions’ Board of Aid.

He and his wife, Janie, are former house parents for the Mobile campus of Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes. The Johnsons have four children and seven grandchildren.  

(Leigh Pritchett)