Two Alabama Baptist disaster relief leaders were recently recognized by the North American Mission Board (NAMB) for their efforts.
Larry Murphy of Enterprise, a member of Bethany Baptist Church in Coffee Association, was one of two people across the nation to receive the 2004 National Disaster Relief Roundtable Outstanding Achievement Award.
Jerry Butler of Guntersville, pastor of South Sauty Baptist Church in Marshall Association, was one of five people nationwide to receive the 2004 National Disaster Relief Roundtable Distinguished Service Award.
“I’m very thankful for these men,” said Tommy Puckett, director of men’s ministries for the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions (SBOM). “Their records speak for themselves, but the passion by which they enter into this ministry is definitely a call,” he said.
“They demonstrate a Christlike lifestyle and attitude in all that they do,” said Puckett, who oversees SBOM disaster relief efforts.
Murphy, who has served as state coordinator for Alabama Baptist disaster relief since 1995, retired from the military following a career as a helicopter pilot.
“In Alabama’s most recent response, Larry led the first team into Bam, Iran, following the devastating earthquake that occurred in late December 2003,” said Mickey Caison, who coordinates disaster relief efforts for NAMB. “Larry is one of Alabama’s strongest trainers and has provided training since 1994 for the feeding unit and airlift unit and in involving Southern Baptists in disaster relief.”
Puckett said, “Larry is a humble servant and gives leadership for the entire state.”
Noting that Murphy participates in a variety of disaster relief roles, Puckett said, “He can move comfortably between the different responsibilities with no problem.
“Larry shares his faith by witnessing every opportunity he gets,” Puckett said. “He is one of the few risk takers.”
Butler, who has served as coordinator for Alabama Baptists’ cleanup and recovery chain saw team since 1999, is a retired pastor.
He got involved in disaster relief in 1995 and soon took the lead in developing thorough and comprehensive training for chain saw, mud-out and assessment components of the disaster relief cleanup and recovery ministry, Caison said. “In addition to the training Jerry does in Alabama, he has been invited to conduct training in other states.”
“Jerry is always ready to respond to hurting people,” Puckett said. “He loves to train. He is energetic. He is a strict disciplinarian when his team is not doing it right.
“His passion is to see people come to know Christ. He wants to show compassion and love to those who are suffering.” (TAB, NAMB)
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