As president of the Alabama Baptist State Convention, I want to say “Thank you, thank you, thank you” to all who have been involved in the rescue and recovery efforts in all of the places where there was death and destruction in the wake of the storms that struck the Southeast throughout the month of April. Storms are not unusual in our area, but the ferocity and frequency of the most recent storms are unprecedented in modern times.
Our state has been helped by our own disaster relief workers and by thousands of others including some from other religious groups, and we thank everyone who has volunteered, sent supplies and donated funds for relief and recovery.
Rick Lance and Mel Johnson have labored tirelessly and all who have worked alongside them deserve our gratitude and appreciation as Alabama Baptists.
All of our entities and Alabama WMU have contributed to the efforts of being the hands and feet of our Savior in recent days. I want to encourage our churches that were not damaged in the storms to adopt a “sister” church and help them move from recovery to restoration. Many of our pastors, staff members and brothers and sisters in Christ are suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome and need some love and encouragement.
Our thoughts and prayers are with those who had relatives and friends who did not survive the storm and also to those who are recuperating from injuries inflicted by the storm.
These days may prove to be a way to show the world that we love all people and want to help in any way possible to share God’s love with them. I have wept much over what the storms did in destruction, but now my tears are tears of joy and gratitude as I see my brothers and sisters working together, side by side, to fulfill the “new commandment” that Jesus gave the disciples to “love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34).
I love you, I love you, I love you and may God bless you, Alabama, and the United States of America.
Mike Shaw
Pelham, Ala.
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