Determined to attack another coastline, Hurricane Ian was barreling toward Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, at 85 mph last Friday as we went to press with the issue Oct. 6 issue of The Alabama Baptist newspaper.
At the same time, members of our beloved Yellow Shirt Army were already on the road headed to southwest Florida.
Packing up those yellow shirts along with their yellow hats, work boots, chain saws, cooking supplies and Bibles, Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers will give their all in the coming weeks and months.
They were ready to help those stunned by Ian’s destruction as soon as they heard the news of winds in the area reaching 150 mph Sept. 28.
Truth be told, many DR volunteers began preparations to serve as soon as Ian turned toward Florida.
Teams were already serving in Puerto Rico, and some may also be headed to the eastern seaboard soon.
‘Picking up the pieces’
As our staff monitors the situation to keep you informed, we hurt for those now attempting to pick up the pieces.
I’m so grateful for the countless volunteers from across the nation who give so selflessly to not only provide physical help but also shine the light of Christ so brightly in an extremely dark moment.
The resources needed will indeed be costly, so I know those working in disaster relief are thankful for the new monies that arrived recently from the Sept. 11–18 week of prayer focus on the Myers-Mallory State Missions Offering.
I’m confident those funds will go quickly with the enormity of needs right now. To donate specifically for Ian’s recovery efforts, click here.
Let’s pray for the volunteers as well as the people they serve in the days ahead.
Times like this also motivate me to renew my disaster relief credentials. Training sessions start up again in March.
Check out the variety of options for how you can serve at sbdr.org/events and consider organizing a group of friends, family or church leaders to earn your credentials together.
Drawn to help
Several members of The Alabama Baptist staff are trained in disaster relief, and we encourage them to volunteer as much as possible, counting it as part of their ministry work.
If going out with teams isn’t a good option, then consider being a prayer partner and encourager for someone who could participate and may merely need a little nudge.
One thing about Southern Baptist Disaster Relief — it’s a ministry we can all get behind.
No matter what debates are happening or how many national leadership positions are vacant, Southern Baptist DR volunteers step with confidence, courage and consistency.
It’s a great reminder of the compassion within us and how we are drawn to help.
Tragedy always seems to have a purifying effect for us, as individuals and bodies of believers, even if only for a few days.
EDITOR’S NOTE — To read more about Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief teams helping Floridians and how you can give online, click here.
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