In Pensacola, we know a little bit about storms and the devastation that can be left behind. We also know what it feels like to see your church campus heavily damaged. Many members of our First Baptist Family are ready and eager to assist our neighbors to the north.
This week we have launched Project Alabama: Pray, Give, and Go. We will be joining hundreds of churches and faith-based organizations in ministering to the physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of our Alabama neighbors.
First, I encourage you to continue praying. The devastation across Alabama is horrific. As I write these words, there have been 251 storm-related deaths confirmed in Alabama and a total of 340 deaths across the South. There are still over 400 folks unaccounted for. Pray for the residents of storm-damaged communities and pray for the relief workers who are there to assist.
Second, I invite you to give. Give a generous and sacrificial gift to assist those in need. Donations given through our church will be channeled through our existing ministry partners and through our FBCP volunteer teams. Make your check payable to FBC Pensacola and designate it for Disaster Response.
Third, consider going to Alabama on a volunteer work crew. If you have not already signed up, call the church office and leave your name and phone number, and indicate whether you are available on weekdays, weekends, or both. All kinds of skill levels will be needed during the recovery period including carpenters, cooks, counselors, and cleaning specialists.
Our first team is going to the Birmingham area this week to deliver supplies and assess needs. After we send teams to one or more communities, we hope to adopt at least one church and community for a long-term partnership, much like we did in Gautier, Mississippi following Katrina.
In the weeks and months ahead, I envision the following:
· We will devote thousands of dollars to the recovery effort.
· We will send dozens of volunteer teams to do clean up and home repair.
· We will send ministry teams to offer encouragement, lead conferences, and share in worship.
· We will help our adopted church to re-build and re-tool for the future.
Keep posted on upcoming trips and opportunities by checking the Project Alabama link at www.fbcp.org.
This Sunday is Mother’s Day. We look forward to hearing a testimony from Todd and Nicole Blancheri, and then an encouraging word from James 2:14-18 on “Real Faith.”
