Dale Wood, director of missions for East Liberty Baptist Association, recognized a real need in his association after Alabama’s deadly April 27 tornadoes. There was not an established chain saw disaster relief trailer to deploy to disaster zones.
Don Downs, pastor of West End Baptist Church, Valley, was also aware of this need, so he and his church began to spearhead an effort to raise funds to purchase a trailer.
In addition to establishing a special offering to raise money for the trailer, West End Baptist put on a special benefit concert June 4.
The concert was hosted by West End Worship Pastor Truett Pirkle’s gospel group, Southern Vision. It raised one-third of the trailer’s cost.
The trailer has since been purchased, and East Liberty Association churches have begun outfitting it with chain saws and other equipment.
“We’re in the process now of getting everything put into the trailer and getting it the way we want it so we can be prepared for disaster relief [efforts],” Downs reported.
He added that it was his church’s desire to really “step up to the plate” and make a difference. “If this trailer could help just one family, it’s well worth it to us,” he said.
Downs is aware of 11 volunteers within the association who have recently attended chain saw training. (TAB)
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