BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (BP) — The Alabama Baptist, the state’s weekly Baptist newspaper with an estimated 225,000 readers, distributed a 56-page commemorative issue of the anniversary of the April 2011 tornadoes to churches and associations throughout the state.
[QUOTE@left@180=The special issue ‘describes the heroic ways Baptists responded’ to the tornadoes.]Titled “We Are The Body: A story of rescue, recovery and rebuild,” 246,990 copies of the special issue were mailed to the state’s 3,324 Baptist churches and associations.
Each church was asked to give free copies to their members during the April 22 special day of remembrance that was observed in many Alabama Baptist churches. The issue also is available online at thealabamabaptist.org.
“April 27 will always live in Alabama history because it was the day of the worst natural disaster in our history,” Bob Terry, president and editor of The Alabama Baptist, said. “This anniversary issue not only marks that day, but it describes the heroic ways Baptists responded to people in need and the wonderful way Baptists have helped their neighbors recover and rebuild.”
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Alabama’s 62 twisters recorded on April 27, 2011, ranks number one for the greatest number of tornadoes in a single event. Two hundred and seventy-two deaths directly related to the severe weather were reported in the state.
The special issue reviews what happened, shares the various recovery and rebuilding efforts by Alabama Baptists and showcases 15 “where they are now” features on the most devastated churches.
Additional copies are available for a small cost-recovery fee while supplies last.
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Jennifer Davis Rash is executive editor of The Alabama Baptist (www.thealabamabaptist.org), newsjournal of the Alabama Baptist Convention.
