Washington Baptist Association churches send 700 masks to Albany

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David Self of Washington Baptist Association stands with 700 masks that were recently shipped to Albany. DAVID SELF/Facebook


MILLEDGEVILLE — When David Self heard there was a large collection of protective masks available to battle COVID-19, he began contacting churches in Washington Baptist Association. The response was immediate, as soon he had the $2,100 pledged to buy the masks that were eventually shipped to Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany for distribution.

“Joellen Waller, a member of First Baptist Milledgeville, called me on Saturday and said she knew someone with a truck full of masks available. They were reducing the price and wanted to know if the Association wanted to go in with her to buy them,” said Self, WBA associational missions strategist.

“Joellen used her own cash to buy them,” he added. “Meanwhile, I began calling churches to ask how much they’d like to pledge toward it. In a matter of hours, I had enough pledges to exceed the amount.”

Self noted that Pastor Jeff Simmons and Church Central in Milledgeville paid for the shipping.

“As soon as I got a box from Lowe’s that would hold the masks, we weighed them and were able to ship at a very reasonable price.” The original supplier of the masks, he stated, wanted to remain anonymous.

Providing protective masks has become just one way Georgia Baptists have responded during the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier in April The Index reported on a Dalton-based ministry operated out of Salem Baptist Church generating masks aided greatly by local manufacturers.

In a Facebook post showing the masks, Self thanked churches for their response.

“During our time of waiting for life to return to normal, believers are wanting to make a difference. Baptists address hurricanes and floods with a direct, hands-on response. However, this disaster calls for an indirect, hand-in-glove response. This is but one story of the movement of God,” he wrote.

Self thanked Waller as well as Stuart Lang, Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief director, for communicating the need.

“We know that miraculous events occur when believers surrender to an Almighty God,” said Self.


associational missions, COVID-19