Russell Association’s Carrell ‘salt, light in community’

It’s all about ministry,” Joycelyn Carrell said. For the past 35 years, she has lived out this statement as a devoted worker for Russell Baptist Association.

Carrell, who attends Auburn Heights Baptist Church, Phenix City, was just a teenager when she first felt called to missionary service. She said that calling includes helping people put their faith into action.

As Russell Association’s church and community ministries director, Carrell does just that. One of her main roles is serving as director of the association’s Baptist Center in Phenix City, which offers a number of outreaches to the community. She is also responsible for associationwide events for senior adults, including the annual “singspiration” music event in the spring. She also works with Alabama Raceway Ministries, passing out tracts to campers at the Talladega Superspeedway and inviting them to activities on-site.

In the realm of disaster relief, Carrell also has offered her service. She has kept track of disaster relief volunteers aiding in the aftermath of the April 27 tornadoes, making chain saw team, feeding team, temporary child care team and shower unit volunteers aware of call-ups and pinpointing which ones were available to send out.

While eight volunteers traveled to Birmingham in May to cook meals for a week, volunteers have visited St. Clair County three times to aid in rebuilding efforts and re-roof houses. Russell Association has partnered with St. Clair Baptist Association to assist with recovery efforts.

According to Wayne Burns, director of missions for Russell Association, Carrell has aided in this partnership. “She is an excellent worker,” he said. Whether rolling up her sleeves for disaster relief efforts or teaching English as a second language, being “salt and light in the community” is important to Carrell, and she plans to keep ministering to people where they are.  (TAB)