[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 138 (Tuesday, December 7, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S11894]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO NORTH AMERICAN BAPTIST MISSION

 Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I wish today to give tribute to 
the North American Baptist Mission for the great leadership and 
assistance they provided the citizens of Alabama in their time of need 
following Hurricane Ivan. Their selfless devotion of time, energy, and 
skills played an integral role in helping Alabamians recover from such 
a tragic event.
  Much of Alabama suffered as a result of Hurricane Ivan. It was a 
major hurricane that did tremendous damage to homes and properties, 
timber, and agriculture throughout the State. I was shocked by the 
devastation that was left in the wake of the storm. I was, however, 
encouraged by the resilient nature of the citizens in Alabama during 
such a difficult time. I remain continually thankful for the thousands 
of volunteers and, in particular, the North American Baptist Mission, 
that came to Alabama lending helping hands in our time of need.
  Concerned for Alabama, the North American Baptist Mission alerted its 
churches to the extreme destruction caused by Hurricane Ivan, and 
Baptist churches across the Nation responded. Volunteers from 14 
different States ventured into the most devastated counties in Alabama: 
Baldwin, Butler, Conecuh, Covington, Clarke, Escambia, Mobile, and 
Washington Counties. The Baptist volunteers assisted Alabamians in 
putting their homes and lives back together. The Baptist groups set up 
16 feeding sites that served 559,000 meals in Alabama. Specifically, in 
Butler County, 45 North Carolina Baptist Men volunteers served 17,586 
meals. I had the opportunity and privilege of seeing this particular 
outreach mission, and I was thoroughly impressed with the volunteers 
attitudes and selfless acts. In addition to serving meals, clean up 
crews removed yard debris from 1,750 homes and businesses throughout 
the eight counties in Alabama, and in some locations the Baptist groups 
were able to set up portable showers and washer/dryer connections, 
providing 1,118 people with laundry assistance.
  These men and women, working from motor homes and in the heat, 
reflected the best in selfless service. Many were retired and some have 
served the Lord for many years, yet they were full of energy and 
vitality. They served, they encouraged, and they helped. The spirit of 
Jesus was indeed alive and strong in Greenville.
  I realize that there were numerous organizations, charities, 
churches, and individuals that came to Alabama's aid in our time of 
need. Additionally, I realize that what I witnessed in Greenville was 
multiplied all across the State, and I would like to take this 
opportunity to thank all of the good Samaritans who sacrificed their 
time, energy, and resources to help Alabamians on their road to 
recovery. Particularly, I would like to say thank you to the North 
American Baptist Mission volunteers I met in Greenville for their 
selfless devotion of time and energy.

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