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Oct 01

Devastating Tornado Rips Through Selma, Alabama

Roger R. Wade

ACS team and volunteers prepare to enter Selma, Alabama, before the distribution.

Roger R. Wade

Supplies were readied for distribution at Temple Gate Church.

Roger R. Wade

Distribution line in front of Temple Gate Church

Roger R. Wade

Derrick Lea, director of Adventist Community Services for the North American Division, and Beverley Wallace, D.Min., exchange notes.

Roger R. Wade

Lillie Buckingham (left), South Central Conference Adventist Community Services Disaster Response Ministries co-director; Beverley Wallace, D.Min., a Lutheran disaster response team member; and Barbara Barnes, South Central Conference Adventist Community Services Disaster Response Ministries co-director

Roger R. Wade

Supplies are ready to be distributed.

Roger R. Wade

Thiea Wilson (left), Temple Gate Church pastor; Derrick Lea, director of Adventist Community Services for the North American Division; and Lillie Buckingham, South Central Conference Adventist Community Services Disaster Response Ministries co-director

Roger R. Wade

Volunteers prepare supplies.

Roger R. Wade

The Temple Gate Church in Selma, Alabama, became the center of disaster relief distribution on Sunday, February 4, 2023, after a devastating tornado struck the area on Thursday, January 12, 2023. The church, which had sustained minor damage, opened its doors to the community and provided much-needed aid to those affected by the disaster.

Through community partnership facilitated by Lillie Buckingham and Barbara Barnes, co-directors of the South Central Conference Adventist Community Services Disaster Response Ministry, blankets, buckets of cleaning supplies, hygiene kits, and backpack school kits were donated by Church World Services. Three truckloads, including a semi-truck load from partnering with Hands with Hearts, were brought into Selma. South Central Conference and Alabama Adventist Community Services Federation brought a truckload of supplies and cash donations along with 22 volunteers on February 4.

We cannot emphasize enough the dedication and leadership of Thiea Wilson, Temple Gate Church pastor, and the volunteers who are making a difference in this recovery effort to support the survivors affected by this catastrophic tornado event.

“Today was a miracle by God,” said Wilson. “We served 1,855 cars, and approximately 3,000 people. So, we’ve almost served half of every person that was touched by the devastation of this storm. It was a blessing. It was a success, and nobody could have done it but God, and we give Him all the glory. People are thanking us, they’re saying, ‘We appreciate what you’re doing out here today’ — gracious smiles and words of thanksgiving.”

Derrick Lea, director of Adventist Community Services for the North American Division, was in attendance to support the distribution. “The fact of the matter is, we have churches in communities all over the North American Division,” said Lea. He continues, “The key is to actually be a part of the community. And that’s what we’re seeing here today. Members of Temple Gate were affected, just like the people right across the street. The fact that they can be there at a time of need, even as they are recovering themselves, really speaks to what Christ has asked of us to actually be in these communities, of having a tangible positive impact. That’s what we’re seeing here.”

Individuals came to Selma to help from across the entire region. Nathaniel Dunlap Jr., D.Min., executive director of the Possessions, Resources, and Finances Institute, was inspired to show up because of the biblical story of Nehemiah which he preached from in Hurtsboro, Alabama, on the Sunday the week after the tornado hit Selma. February 4 was his second time to Selma, and he credited Thiea Wilson’s expressed heart and concern for her community’s long-term recovery. “Most people just want what they need right now. When you have community partners that are also mindful even three weeks after to provide for the community, I am moved to get involved,” said Dunlap.

Beverley Wallace, D.Min., a Lutheran disaster response team member, was assigned to provide emotional spiritual care for the victims of the tornado. “We know that the trauma because of the disaster is going to have long-term effects,” said Wallace. “We are here to help victims and to even acknowledge what’s going on.”

Robert, a resident of Selma who was affected by the tornado, got in line and waited to be served by the volunteers. Robert shared that the storm wiped out everything he owned, and that fortunately he was not in his home at the time. He also shared that being able to get the supplies confirmed God has his back.

Irene Griffin, a volunteer with Adventist Community Services from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, said, “I never thought I’d be doing this when I retired and moved back to Hattiesburg. I enjoy serving.” Griffin shared she has been volunteering since March of 2018, when she arrived in Hattiesburg.

“We’re here today to assist the residents of Selma, Alabama, in relationship with the tornado of January 12, 2023. They have a very long road ahead of them. We are here and will continue to be here to assist our pastor, Thiea Wilson, as long as we possibly can, to try to salvage some of the hurt, and let the community know that Adventist Community Services and Temple Gate Seventh-day Adventist Church are here,” said Lillie Buckingham.

The relief efforts at Temple Gate Church were made possible by the support of volunteers and donations from individuals and organizations across the country. The church served as a beacon of hope in a time of great need, providing not only physical aid but also emotional support for those affected by the disaster.

“I want to highlight and congratulate the Temple Gate Church family and Pastor Thiea Wilson for their response to a community laid waste by a terrible January tornado that devastated Selma, Alabama,” said Benjamin Jones Jr., South Central Conference president. “Pastor Wilson, with the help of South Central Conference and the North American Division Adventist Community Services, has turned the church into a distribution center for the many victims of the storm. Pastor Wilson and her church family have connected with other churches and community agencies both private and civic to form a powerful united effort to help their fellow neighbors who have lost everything. This is a prime example of what we are looking for when we encourage our members and our churches to become engaged in the life of their communities. We must take our ministries outside of the four walls of our churches and roll up our sleeves and go to work to improve the life of the people around us. Remember, ‘love’ is an action word. I praise God for what He is doing through the ministry of Pastor Thiea Wilson and the Temple Gate Seventh-day Adventist Church in Selma, Alabama. May the rest of the South Central family go and do likewise.”

In times of crisis, it is important to come together as a community and help those in need. The relief efforts at Temple Gate Church serve as a reminder of the power of compassion, and the impact that small acts of kindness can have on those who are suffering.

South Central | October 2023

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