BIRMINGHAM (TAB) — Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief teams were dispatched across the state April 28 after several strong storms and tornadoes left damage in their wake. According to news sources, a large tornado touched down near UAB Medical West in Bessemer and there was damage of varying degrees from winds or tornadoes in Sardis, Kimberly, Morris, Graysville, Tuscaloosa, Athens, Cottondale and Blount County. Mel Johnson, disaster relief strategist for the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, reported that six chain saw teams and chaplaincy support were sent to Limestone Baptist Association to respond to damage in the Athens area, five chain saw teams were sent to Sardis and are assisting Emergency Management Officials with search and rescue, and assessment and chainsaw efforts are taking place in west Alabama. Johnson said further assessment will continue to take place Tuesday morning.
–30–

The Alabama Baptist will continue to follow this story. If your church was damaged, or if your church is serving in disaster relief capacities, please make us aware by commenting here or sending an email to news@thealabamabaptist.org.