During her report to the state convention Nov. 16, Lonette Berg, executive director of the Alabama Baptist Historical Commission (ABHC), reminded messengers of the recent efforts by disaster relief teams and the lives touched through church camps and the Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes & Family Ministries.
“This is our history — the stories of the way God has worked through Alabama Baptists,” Berg said.
By God’s grace, Alabama Baptists have their ministries, their stories, she added. “It’s our job to preserve that story, even in the face of disaster and hardship.”
And many Alabama Baptist churches, associations and convention entities have taken the ABHC up on its free microfilm ministry to preserve the written records or materials telling their stories.
“Although we have microfilmed over half a million pages of Alabama Baptist records in the last three and a half years, hundreds of churches’ records remain at risk until they are preserved on microfilm,” Berg noted.
The ABHC also preserves oral history to enliven and augment that which is recorded on paper.
Alabama Baptists can teach their children about their history and heritage through ABHC publications and writing awards as well as help others learn about salvation, discipleship, faithfulness and stewardship through church histories and biographies of Alabama Baptists, Berg said.
“Through our Recognition Ministry, we have an opportunity to express thanksgiving for God’s years of faithfulness to us and to recognize the faithfulness of Alabama Baptists in serving and in sharing the gospel,” she noted.
In 2011, the ABHC offered assistance to 140 churches and associations celebrating anniversaries, according to the Book of Reports. It presented framed certificates to 77 churches, associations and state convention entities.
The ABHC recognizes churches celebrating anniversaries of 25-year increments. (TAB)
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