In Florida, Regular Baptist churches and a retirement community are recovering after Hurricane Ian.
Daniels Road Baptist Church, Fort Myers, Florida, thanks its members who helped out at a hurricane supply distribution last week. “We ministered to around 100 families and made sure they left with food, water, and other supplies like diapers, tarps, and cleaning supplies,” the church says. “Most importantly, each family left with access to the gospel!”
The distribution took place at a local Walmart. Volunteers gave out at least 42,000 bottles of water. “Thanks to Walmart for supplying the water and for all those from DRBC who worked hard to get it all distributed!” the church says.
First Baptist, North Port, Fla., clears downed branches after Hurricane Ian.
First Baptist Church, North Port, Florida, thanks three sister churches for sending crews to help after the church and property sustained damage from the hurricane. Volunteers from those churches cut away damaged drywall, cleaned the flooded auditorium, and cleared downed branches.
At Peace River Baptist Church, Punta Gorda, Florida, “Hurricane Ian hit us pretty hard,” says Pastor Jim Stultz. The church sustained water and ceiling damage in five rooms: the pastor’s office, secretary’s office, library, nursery, and coffee room.
Jim’s own house also sustained damage to the carpet, ceiling, and roof. Most of the church members’ homes were damaged as well.
“Our community was without power for six to twelve days,” Jim says. “We are thankful that water and power have been restored, although many are still without internet service.”
Maranatha Village, Sebring, Florida, “made it through the nighttime visitation of Hurricane Ian,” this retirement community says. “We had some carport damage, trees down, and many tree limbs strewn across the campus. But everyone is safe and unharmed.” Maranatha Village thanks people for praying for the residents and staff.
“Three big burn piles are waiting for the right time to be incinerated,” Maranatha Village says. “These large heaps of debris will be set afire when the weather conditions allow our staff to legally burn the remnants of Hurricane Ian. Water still exceeds the banks of our ponds at places, and the once proud lighthouse from Hurricane Irma has bitten the dust. But the village is looking good one week after the storm.”
