Victory After the Storm
Exactly one year after devastating tornadoes ripped through Alabama, destroying several churches and parsonages, Church of God Alabama State Overseer John Childers reports on the miraculous recovery and God’s abundant grace.
By John Childers (reprinted from Alabama Echoes)
April 27, 2011 is a day like no other in the history of Alabama the Beautiful. It was the single most destructive day with the worst storms on record. Our state and our churches were impacted forever by the storms. But one year later we are not talking about the devastation, but the restoration.
ARGO — The storm totally destroyed the parsonage and the church was heavily damaged. One year later, they have a newly constructed church that is larger than the previous building. Pastor Ricky Adams said, “The church needed repairs and updated before the storm. What the enemy meant for disaster, became a blessing.” They have a new church that is debt free.
CORDOVA — Just minutes before the storm, Pastor Dennis Whitmer was prompted by the Holy Spirit to get the neighborhood in the church. Ten people responded who lived in mobile homes. The storm totally destroyed their homes, but they were spared.
The church and parsonage were both heavily damaged. But one year later, their church has been rebuilt and is beautiful. The parsonage has been rebuilt and is much larger. They have also added a two-car garage and workshop. The church has changed its name to Spiritual Needs Center. They are thankful for all of the help that came after the storm. There is victory after the storm!
PHIL CAMPBELL — An EF5 tornado leveled 60% of the town of Phil Campbell leaving 27 dead. Among the devastation were the Church of God and its parsonage. There was nothing left but the foundation. After the storm, they became “the church without walls.” They had no building but continued to have service on the concrete slab. A tent was later provided that they used until August. At that time they moved into the High School Cafeteria and the church purchased a move-in ready, 4 bedroom, 2 and 1/2 bathroom parsonage to replace the home also lost in the storm.
In September, the church purchased a much larger, but damaged, 10,000 sq ft building. But volunteers came from all over Alabama and the country to help the Phil Campbell Church repair and renovate this modern building to include a larger sanctuary, student and kids center. Although much of the town is gone, attendance has steadily grown since the tornado. Pastor Chris Burns has lived by Galatians 6:9 “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” Phil Campbell isn’t giving up, but they are moving forward after the storm.
ALBERTA — One year ago the devastating storms ripped through Tuscaloosa with more than a mile-wide tornado. One of those communities in its path was Alberta. The storm completely destroyed the church and parsonage. Although the parsonage was leveled, Pastor Jeremy Griffith and over 10 others walked out of the parsonage unharmed by the storm.
The church began to conduct services in Dr. Mike Johnson’s office, a member of the church for over 30 years. Around 30 new members were taken in while we assembled together as the “Church at a Doctor’s office”. In June, they began to share facilities with Woodhaven Church of the Nazarene. At this time the church is in negotiations to purchase this beautiful and much larger facility. Alberta now has one of the nicest parsonages in the state. Attendance before the storm averaged in the sixties. But in March 2012, Alberta averaged over 175. Alberta Church of God is thankful for the many people who helped them through the storm. Their stumbling blocks have become stepping stones! 2011 was a year of nature’s fury, but it also was a year of Divine Favor.
Thanks to every individual, organization and church that sent supplies, workers and money. Because of your support, the storm was not able to destroy our churches. We have moved from Devastation to Celebration. We have Victory After the Storm!
