The immense outpouring of compassion across the state, nation and world for the devastated areas in Alabama continually touches those trying to pick up the pieces following the deadly tornado outbreak April 27. And as Alabama Baptist disaster relief attempts to help churches and communities in the recovery effort, Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions (SBOM) officials know just how important giving is to the overall picture.
Currently disaster relief volunteers are at work across the northern part of the state providing practical needs as well as spiritual encouragement, said Bobby DuBois, SBOM associate executive director. The monies donated to the disaster relief effort allow for a multitude of ministry opportunities.
“We are in the process of placing equipment all over Alabama. The cost of transporting that equipment is significant,” he said, noting the current price of gasoline impacts those costs. “We are also assuming responsibility of feeding thousands in the affected areas and assisting those who are providing meals for both volunteers and victims.
“We support the needs of disaster relief incident command center personnel and their efforts to place thousands of trained volunteers,” he added. “We also respond to specific needs for emergency items as field personnel report those needs.”
State disaster relief funds also are needed to assist the churches that were damaged or destroyed, DuBois said.
“More than 40 churches received some degree of damage,” he said. “Our best strategy for doing ministry is getting these churches back up and operational. That may require mobile chapels or assistance with insurance deductibles. It could mean financial assistance in renting or leasing space until the church can get back on its feet.”
While the general disaster relief fund had a small balance prior to the tornado outbreak, it was only enough to provide some immediate response, DuBois said.
“The tendency is for people to give to specific events such as Katrina, Haiti earthquake, or, in this case, Alabama Tornado Relief,” he said. “When gifts are specified in that manner, we distribute all of those funds for the disaster to which it was given.
“The general disaster relief fund balance gives us the ability to respond immediately when a disaster happens,” he said. “It never carries a large enough balance to sustain on-going relief efforts.
“The sacrificial giving of Alabama Baptists will determine just how far our relief efforts will go following the most recent tornadoes,” DuBois said. More money will be spent on disaster relief efforts than comes in, and the extra money spent beyond what is given for any disaster comes from Cooperative Program giving, he explained.
All contributions (100 percent) go straight to the front lines of the disaster to assist storm victims and churches with damaged facilities.
To donate to Alabama Baptist disaster relief efforts, pay with a credit card online at www.alsbom.org/tornadorelief or mail checks payable to State Board of Missions, P.O. Box 11870, Montgomery, AL 36111-0870; and note “Alabama tornado relief” on the check. (SBOM)
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