♦M 13, 2021

Montgomery Baptists will prioritize the gospel above all by doing the following:
Meet human need while planting gospel seed;
Evangelize the River Region while planting and replanting churches;
Discover, develop, and deploy disciples of Christ to be missionaries across the street and around the world

A Glimpse at Your Montgomery

Missionary, Debbie Jones
Debbie and her husband, Grant, are members of
Taylor Road Baptist Church. She received a degree
in Education from Judson College and taught for
19 years. They helped their son and daughter-in-
law with caring for their two daughters. Grant’s
mother, Gene Haynes, was a long-time assistant at
the association serving under Buddy McGohon.
In 2010, Debbie reached out to the MBA to explore
her calling to serve as director of Samaritan Inn
Ministry. Though the experience was new to her,
Debbie Jones
Samaritan Inn the tornadoes of April 2011 caused her to quickly
Ministry learn how to minister to the families seeking
Director assistance when 13 families came into care at the
same time. Samaritan Inn (SIM) meets the
temporary housing needs of family members who travel to
Montgomery to care for a loved one who could not seek medical care
closer to home, whether it be for premature deliveries, accidents, or
illnesses while traveling through the River Region. Some families can
utilize a hotel room on a short-term basis, and others may require
long-term support.
At the time, the ministry worked with one hotel to provide rooms at a
discounted cost. Throughout the last ten years, the number of hotels
have increased to five, and McGehee Road Baptist donated a home.
With modifications, this home now provides lodging for up to two
long-term families at a time at no cost. Debbie coordinates a host of
volunteer missionaries to minister and respond to the visiting family
member’s needs as they arise.
Debbie did not make any changes due to the pandemic in delivering
care for the SIM families. However, she had to take on more
responsibility from her volunteers to minimize the exposure they may
have to the COVID-19 virus. As a face-to-face ministry, relationships
with the families are essential during times of crisis.
After safety measures were implemented and conditions improved
throughout the city and state, volunteers were encouraged to return
and minister to families offering a listening ear, giving
encouragement, and calling them so that they know somebody cares
for them and that God has sent the volunteers to be his messenger.
God things that have happened over the past year included stories of
the families told that there was no hope for a baby in care, but the
child improved by God’s grace and His will. Another story of a
young woman who suffered from a stroke while traveling through
Montgomery can receive in-home care while staying in the SIM
home. In addition to the personal stories, the annual SIM fundraiser
could not be held in person. The event transitioned to an online
program. God blessed the ministry with their largest gifts compared
to all previous years.
Debbie asks our churches to pray how they can be a part of the
ministry by providing frozen dinners, gift cards for gas and
restaurants, financial support, and serving as volunteers and prayer
warriors. Individuals that can assist with renovations and painting are
needed for updates to the City of Refuge house that can be used by
SIM. Debbie can be reached at 334-201-6868 for more information.
Montgomery Baptist Association • 20 Interstate Park Dr. • Montgomery, Alabama 36109 • 334-271-6227 • www.mgmbaptists.org
This publication is made possible by your churches’ contributions to Associational Missions.