In the first few months of this year, the number of tornadoes that hit the U.S. was off the charts. And Mark Wakefield’s phone rung off the hook. That’s because he leads the “yellow shirt army” of Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers. They respond after a disaster to cut trees for homeowners, clear yards, rip drywall out of
flooded homes, prepare meals, do laundry, provide a place to take a shower and offer a listening ear for those who have lost so much.

“There’s a trust factor that has proven to be valuable,” Mark said.

ABDR volunteers are trained and vetted. He said that goes a long way with first responders and local governments, who generally are not hesitant about letting them in.

“Myers-Mallory helps us be prepared,” Mark said. “We have the staff here at the State Board of Missions who are supported by the Cooperative Program, but it takes funding to have volunteers ready to leave.” That prep includes providing training but also
purchasing and maintaining heavy equipment and mobile kitchen and shower units, he said.

“Alabama Baptists are incredibly generous and committed to missions and ministry,” Mark said. “God has always provided so we can do what needs to be done and so people get taken care of.”