Florida Baptists need you.
The damaging effects of Hurricane Michael have left many in the panhandle shell-shocked. Our Florida Baptist Disaster Relief is on the ground – cleaning, clearing and feeding many, but as the Florida Baptist family, we need to come right beside our own so they can continue to bring the Gospel light into their communities, devastated by Hurricane Michael.
Churches Helping Churches
We have created an easy way for you to see the churches in need. At www.flbaptist.org/churcheshelpingchurches you can see the devastation to many of our Florida Baptist churches, some with great needs and some with smaller needs. These churches need help, for the short and long-term.
“I would ask that you pray for all of the churches and communities that have been impacted by the storm,” said Tommy Green, executive director-treasurer of the Florida Baptist Convention. “Additionally, it is our desire to see long-term partnerships established with churches in need.”
“Our church-to-church effort is designed to identify a non-storm affected church that is willing to partner with a storm-impacted church to serve as the point of contact for coordinating recovery responses and efforts for that specific church,” said Lewis Miller, West Florida Regional Catalyst.
Recovery through Cooperation
“The outpouring of generous compassion from churches all across Florida, and the Southeastern United States has been amazing,” Miller said. “This is how God’s kingdom advances best and impacts the communities where our congregations are located. We are so thankful for the outpouring of DR teams, individuals, and groups of concerned Christians partnering to respond to the mammoth needs of our storm-stricken panhandle.”
Ways to Help
There are several ways to be involved in the recovery efforts in the panhandle. First and foremost, pray for safety, for opportunities for Gospel conversations and that the Lord would be glorified in spite of the storm.
You can give financially by visiting www.flbaptist.org/give. All resources go straight to Disaster Relief needs.
But for some churches the idea of trying to partner with a storm-ravaged church is daunting. Don’t think you can’t help! Consider partnering with another church outside of the panhandle and joining resources to help a church in need.
If you can, consider going.
“Some of you can go – if this is your interest but you are not a trained DR volunteer you will need to complete the Day Volunteer form on our website at www.flbaptist.org/day-volunteer for you as an individual or for your entire group,” Miller said.
Churches interested in partnering with a church in need should contact Miller by email at lmiller@flbaptist.org or by phone 352-603-2570.
Continue to visit our website as needs change daily. Thank you for the generous outpouring of support and concern you have already shown for the churches and people of the panhandle. This is who we are as Florida Baptists – a people dedicated to being the hands and feet of Jesus in times of need.
By Nicole Kalil, Florida Baptist Convention, October 19, 2018
We are trying to find a church to connect with to provide hands on disaster relief. We have applied with FEMA but thus far no reply from them. We will be available in January. I know we are not supposed to self deploy, but really want to contribute some labor to the panhandle victims. Have an RV we can stay in. I am an RN and my spouse a retired att tech. Thank you.
Go to our page: https://flbaptist.org/disaster-relief/ for more information that you’re looking for. Thank you for your ministry heart!