In the wake of several hurricanes affecting Alabama this year, the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions (SBOM) has received nearly $600,000 to assist storm victims.
According to Bobby DuBois, associate executive director of the SBOM, Alabama Baptists have given much of the money designated for Hurricane Ivan and Florida disaster relief — $375,260.
He said corporate and trustee donors have contributed $140,000, to disaster relief, creating a total of $515,260.
“As of Nov. 12 a total of $594,962.45 has been distributed,” DuBois said.
“The nearly $80,000 difference between the amount received and the amount distributed comes from mobile chapel and general disaster relief designations,” he noted.
Record support
“The financial response following Ivan is the greatest outpouring of support to disaster relief by Alabama Baptists since Sept. 11, 2001,” he said.
Disaster assistance money coming from Alabama Baptists and other sources was quickly distributed in the following ways, according to information supplied by DuBois.
- Association and church direct assistance: $125,000 — Gifts from Alabama Baptists that were forwarded to associations and churches that served as ministry points and staging areas for disaster relief.
These funds were given to assist areas hit hardest by Ivan.
- Association general assistance: $80,000 — Some associations are still feeling the financial brunt of the storm.
Association incomes are down and resources are depleted. These funds are designated to assist associations in daily operations and the meeting of local needs.
- Church general assistance: $245,000 — According to directors of missions in affected areas, many churches experienced damage ranging from roof and water damage to total loss.
- Mobile chapel purchase: $55,000 — A new mobile chapel was purchased for the Romar Beach Baptist Church in Baldwin County because its building was a total loss.
Variety of expenses
Expenses included unit construction, delivery and set-up. The unit had to meet Baldwin County code requirements, requiring the structure to withstand winds of 120 miles per hour.
- Disaster relief equipment allocation: $50,000 — This designation will allow disaster relief coordinators to refurbish disaster relief equipment and upgrade the units for future response.
- Counseling services: $10,000 — Statistically, 50 percent of churches in affected areas will experience new pastoral leadership within 12 months of the disaster. The availability of Christian counselors to these church leaders is critical.
- Florida designations: $39,926.45 — Money earmarked for Florida Baptist disaster relief. The money was forwarded to the Florida Baptist Convention for disaster relief efforts.
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