April financial update with David Spika
GuideStone’s David Spika tells Jonathan Howe that the country is “open for business.” The two discuss vaccines, the Biden administration’s stimulus and infrastructure plans and their effects on the tax rate as well as what an economic recovery will look like.
Alabama Baptists respond to areas hit hard by tornadoes
Between March 24-28, 45 tornadoes struck throughout the South, leaving behind a trail of destruction. Five people died when an EF3 tornado hit in Calhoun County on March 25.
Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief teams responded quickly, setting up command centers in key areas across the state.
“Alabama is no stranger to the wrath of Mother Nature,” said Gov. Kay Ivey in a press conference March 29 at Oak Bowery Baptist Church, Ohatchee. “It comes all too frequently.”
Volunteers were assessing even as the rain continued after the tornado came through the area. Oak Bowery’s fellowship hall was full with people from the community waiting out the storm.
The Calhoun County EMA set up at the church to operate services for the community. Ohatchee Senior Center also used its space to provide supplies to those in need.
Five people were killed in Calhoun County: Joe Wayne Harris, 74; Barbara Harris, 69; Ebonique Harris, 38; James William Geno, 72; and Emily Myra Wilborn, 72.
The Harrises were in a wood-frame structure in Ohatchee. The remaining two were in mobile homes in Ohatchee and Wellington.
A seventh-grader was injured in the Harris family home. She was taken to Children’s of Alabama Hospital.
“She had multiple injuries and is recovering,” said Jennifer Craig, a member of Hill Crest Baptist Church in Anniston, Ala., and an Ohatchee High School counselor.
She spent Friday and the weekend on the phone trying to contact all the high school students — about 450. She was helping fill needs through the churches and local emergency officials.
Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions Director Rick Lance presented checks to several churches to assist with repairs to its storm-damaged building. See story here.
