Disaster relief offering set; Baptists challenged to give $1

If every Alabama Baptist gave just $1, we could purchase additional equipment for our associations to use in disaster relief,” said Mel Johnson, Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions (SBOM) disaster relief strategist. “We’ve got the personnel; we just lack the resources.”

Alabama Baptists will have the opportunity to do just that as they gather to worship and remember the 2011 tornadoes April 22. On that day of remembrance, the SBOM is encouraging churches to receive a special offering to raise $200,000 to purchase things like additional shower units, smaller feeding units and equipment to aid in cleanup and recovery efforts.

“Receiving this offering near the first anniversary of the (April 15 and 27) tornadoes is most appropriate,” said Mike Shaw, president of the Alabama Baptist State Convention and pastor of First Baptist Church, Pelham.

He added, “This offering will help us be ready for the next crisis by allowing us to purchase some much-needed equipment.”

Liberty Baptist Church, Chelsea, plans to do its part by receiving the offering.

“This offering is a tangible way for our churches to do Great Commission ministry above and beyond what we are already doing,” Pastor Tim Cox said.

Money given after the April 2011 tornadoes went to help storm survivors, Johnson explained. It was used to buy water, blankets and other necessities, not disaster relief equipment.

An annual offering for that purpose was introduced and approved by messengers at the state convention annual meeting in November. One hundred percent of the proceeds will be used to better equip disaster relief volunteers to minister during times of crisis.

After all, “disaster relief ministry is one of the most powerful witnesses we have,” said John Brock, pastor of Highland Baptist Church, Florence, which plans to promote the offering. 

Envelopes for the offering may be obtained by contacting Mondene Coker at 1-800-264-1225, Ext. 273, or mcoker@alsbom.org. 

For more information about the offering or day of remembrance, call Coker or visit www.sbdr.org or www.facebook.com/alsbomdr.  

(TAB)