By Jim & Anne
When we look back over the journey that brought us here, we can only say: God has been faithful.
Our first step into Disaster Relief was all the way back in 2012, when Jim and I attended training at Shocco Springs. I trained in Mass Feeding, and Jim trained in Mudout. Around 12 people from our Association went through training that year, each in different areas.
But here’s the hard truth: none of us were ever called out to deploy. For eight years, we waited. We had open hearts and willing hands, but no opportunities to serve. Some of that was due to communication issues, and some of it was simply because no major disasters struck close to home during that time.
Then came Hurricane Sally. Baldwin County was devastated, and Alabama Disaster Relief answered the call. But in some areas, they didn’t have enough volunteers. That’s when Jim got a call to help with Laundry and Shower units—even though he hadn’t been trained in that area yet. He went anyway. And that was the turning point.
Soon after, we both trained in Shower and Laundry and began deploying more frequently. Over time, we added Chaplaincy, Mass Feeding, and Administration to our training. With each new step, God was shaping a bigger picture.
It was during an Administration training that our friend, Joy Burt, said something that stuck: “I wish we could have some local DR teams.” On the drive home, we knew God was speaking. That was the direction. That was the vision.
We started with almost nothing—just a handful of wonderful, servant-hearted people, no equipment, and no clear communication system. But we knew to build an effective Disaster Relief ministry, Bethlehem Baptist Association would need the ability to respond to Mass Feeding and Chainsaw callouts.
So, we asked questions. We learned from Clarke County, Baldwin County, and the State Feeding Coordinator. The cost was overwhelming, the number of trained volunteers was small, and nothing in the Association budget could cover what we needed. On paper, it looked impossible.
And yet—when God gives you a vision, He also provides.
We tried fundraising, grants, even reaching out to our local governments. Progress was slow, but blessings began to come. Little by little, and then big by big, God supplied what was needed. We don’t yet have everything, but we are well on our way.
The truth is, equipment alone won’t make this ministry thrive. We need people—faithful men and women willing to be trained, to serve, and to go when called. This remains our greatest ongoing need.
What began as just a spark in our hearts has grown into a vision that is now taking shape. We are watching God build a ministry that will not only bring physical relief to those in crisis, but also the hope of Christ. And it is truly exciting to be part of His work.