You may not expect to see a tangible representation of Jesus in a bottle of water or bag of hygiene items — that is, unless the group offering them is seeking to be the “hands and feet” of Christ.
Now every day since the record-setting surge of tornadoes and severe weather wreaked havoc on the state April 27, Alabama Baptist churches have teamed with other denominations and community residents to show the love of Christ and meet the physical needs of those most affected by the storms.
Within hours of the destruction, Alabama Baptist congregations began opening their facilities to collect items they knew victims would need to recover. Not expecting the massive outpouring of donations that followed, many leaders have been overwhelmed and encouraged by the response they’ve received in their communities.
“There are a lot of passionate people across Alabama who really have a heart for other people and who are doing what they can to help,” said Bobby DuBois, associate executive director of Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions (SBOM).
“This is an extremely difficult time for thousands across Alabama. Alabama Baptists are continuing to do what they are called upon to do which is help people that are hurting.”
DuBois said the churches have been responsible for collecting and organizing donated items and getting the items to the areas of greatest need.
“This is a moving target,” he said. “What was needed on the ground last Friday may not be needed today. We are trying to stay in touch with churches across affected areas who are helping make sure supplies get to the front lines. It’s an ongoing challenge. To get what’s coming in from donations from local individuals through these drop points to the time we get it delivered, we may have moved on to some other needs.”
At press time, 46 Alabama Baptist churches were known to be serving as drop-off sites for donations. DuBois said there is currently a drop site in every district.
“We feel comfortable that we can get what’s needed to the affected areas as soon as possible,” he said.
NorthPark Baptist Church, Trussville, in Birmingham Baptist Association was the first to respond when the SBOM began asking for churches to assist in this effort.
Rus Goodwin, who is coordinating the church’s disaster relief efforts through Serving You Ministries, said he has been talking to people all over Alabama and across America who want to send supplies for the tornado victims.
“It’s just amazing,” he said. “I believe when people see the images of that and hear of the devastation they want to do something to help and as believers offer hope to those individuals and let them know that they have community to support and love them as they go through this. They may not be able to go but they can collect from among their community and drive or have someone ship a truck over.”
In addition to collecting the essentials like snacks, water, sports drinks, hygiene products and other supplies, Goodwin said NorthPark collected prom dresses for teens in Pratt City whose prom had been scheduled two weeks after the storms hit.
“Someone else had that idea and we heard about it and said we can help, too,” he said. “We are the hands and feet of Jesus. I believe in times of tragedy that shines forth more than any other time.”
Across the river from Tuscaloosa, Northport Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa Baptist Association, has been reaching out to people and schools in some of the storms’ hardest hit areas.
“We’ve been collecting various items and distributing them as needed … school supplies, snacks for students, clothing items, diapers, baby items, hygiene products, food,” said Kenyon Hamner, children’s minister at the church. “Everyone is wanting to take a part. … At one given time, we probably have at least 50 people who have been volunteering.”
Hamner believes this tragedy has brought people closer together and made them more grateful.
“It’s made people more aware of how God blesses us every day and not taking things for granted,” he noted. “They are very eager and willing to do whatever. People are jumping right in and it’s like they are desperate for something to do. … There is an over abundance of volunteers in every area which is a good thing.”
Franklin Baptist Association churches are also working together with others in their communities to gather items needed for North Alabama storm victims after a deadly tornado tore through Phil Campbell and Hackleburg. Director of Missions Larry Dover said the churches had such an outpouring of donations that a local company and the City of Russellville allowed them to store donations in their facilities.
“We’ve gotten calls from people in Kentucky saying, ‘We are bringing stuff; where do we bring it?’” he said. “We’ve received so much that we are only taking new clothing. We’ll have weeks of work just sorting through what’s left.”
Dover added that other distribution sites are calling Franklin Association for specific items they can’t find anywhere else. He said Baptist families from Mississippi, Oklahoma, West Virginia and Louisiana have worked in their drop-off sites.
“I have always been on the other end of that,” Dover said. “We, in our community, are disaster relief folks and we go somewhere else to help other folks, and now our communities are on the receiving end of that. It’s overwhelming to be in that part of it. It reinforces what we already know about Alabama Baptists — that they are generous and loving. At the same time, it’s expanded that. It’s not just something that is theoretical and possible. It’s become actual. … People loving on people and meeting their needs. That’s what’s happening at the distribution centers. … Some of them, for the first time in their lives, are having their spiritual needs met.”
Ronnie Knight, pastor of Seman Baptist Church, Eclectic, in Elmore Baptist Association agreed. His church has also been serving as a drop-off center for donations.
“I think it really kind of solidified what I already understood about Baptists and Christians in general,” he said. “It’s just a great outpouring of ministry in the community.”
Jason Green, associate pastor and student minister at Cross Road Baptist Church, Hueytown, in Mud Creek Baptist Association said he has seen needs at the church drop-off center met before a request is even made.
“There has been an overwhelming movement since this past Wednesday (April 27),” Green said. “We ran out of ice this morning (May 5) and a truck showed up with 100 bags of ice. Then FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) showed up with 380 bags of ice. Not only is the need met, but God blesses in abundance. … We are wondering what happens next.”
Green believes the way churches of all denominations have pulled together in his area shows the community the characteristics of Christ modeled out at a time when it “desperately needs to see Jesus in His people.”
“I think people are seeing Jesus portrayed as our Heavenly Father would want Himself to be seen,” he said, noting there have been eight salvations at Union Hill Baptist Church, Bessemer. “We are humbled that the Creator of the universe would allow us to be able to be a part of His plan to comfort and love this community. … We have seen people that have said they might not ever walk in a church door again come in and recommit their lives to Christ. …Whether people realize what they are experiencing right now or not, it is the presence of God coming down and wrapping His arms around them.”
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