Coden Church Moves Forward After Disaster

Fire Coden Sweet Bethel Missionary Baptist Church had an outdoor service on Father’s Day since their house of worship was destroyed.

by Chad Petri

Published: Sun, June 21, 2009 - 8:32 pm CST Last Updated: Sun, June 21, 2009 - 9:19 pm CST

“It's a time to rejoice, in times of trouble knowing God will see us through,” says Pastor Darrell Jones. Just days ago, fire destroyed the Sweet Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. The community stepped in to help. Volunteers donated a tent and fans so members wouldn't have to miss their Sunday service.

“We just believe in continuing on in whatever we're doing, you don't stop because of tragedy you continue to do the work of the Lord,” says Church member Annie Kennedy Jones. Keeping cool is a real challenge in the blistering heat, but it's no challenge for these parishioners to keep the worship and praise going The pastor says, despite the challenge of worshiping outdoors, it's worth it if they can change the heart of just one person.

“There's a soul God is going to reach today somebody's going to be lead to Christ today through this disaster yet this is the day they're going to receive their salvation,” says Pastor Jones. While the tent's a welcome addition on this Father's Day, it's the only time they'll have to use it for the foreseeable future. Next week, the congregation will start holding services at the disaster shelter in Coden. Pastor Jones says it may be years before they have a new building again. If you can help, the church has a building fund set up through RBC Bank.

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mustuknow Says:

Mon, Jun 22, 2009 at 1:15 am

Where is Coden? I am sorry I am not from the area, familiar with the South Alabama area but have never heard of Coden. It is a shame that another place of worship has fallen ashes. It would be nice if some churches would come together and help rebuild the church. I know our church received an anonymous gift a couple years ago and someone brought up a church that had been burned and we donated 1/2 of the donation to their building fund and then sent a group of men to help frame in the church. God works in mysterious ways and I know that he will provide for this church also.