Baptist convention lends a hand

The smell of Clorox permeated William Shealey’s home on Aberdeen Road.

The den was stripped clean, down to the cement slab. Inside, men and women in yellow caps moved furniture and pushed brooms.

Shealey, a 23-year Naval veteran, has lived there about 28 years and can only remember two times when it rained enough for water to trickle into the den.

This time, however, about two feet of water poured into the den, situated in the back, lower portion of the house. Almost a foot made it into the kitchen.

The men and women were from the East and West Cullman Baptist Association. The group of about 14 are in Dothan this week to help residents “mud out” their homes as part of the Alabama Baptist Association disaster relief response to the recent floods.

“Just unbelievable,” Shealey said. “It’s wonderful, what they’re doing.”

In addition to the Cullman team, teams from Elmore County, Etowah County, Henry County and a local team are helping those who are most in need.

“The love of Christ instills in us to share what God has given us,” said Winford Haynes, a retired Cullman minister and team member.

Mudding out a home consists of removing or pumping out water, stripping carpet, removing insulation and sheetrock when necessary to reduce the instances of mold and mildew caused by the flood waters. Sometimes pressure washing is necessary. Once the home is dried out, the affected areas are sprayed with a clorox solution to further reduce mold.

The teams were contacted through a request for help by the local Columbia Baptist Association to the State Baptist Association. A team of assessors spent much of last week in Dothan touring the area to determine damage. Homes were given a priority according to damage and need. Elderly, widowed and disabled homeowners were also given priority.

The assessment team stayed at Ridgecrest Baptist Church. Mudout teams are staying at Mt. Gilead.

The service is free. Ken Farley of the Columbia Baptist Association said some homeowners have tried to offer donations for the work done, but they are not accepted.

“Jesus met people’s physical needs as well as their spiritual needs,” said Ronnie Hicks, Cullman team chaplain. “Christ is our model.”