Ministry to Begin in Storm-Ravaged Florida

Story by Kathy Symborski and Margot Bass

The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, than the mighty waves of the sea. Psalm 93:4

As Hurricane Ian continued to plow up the East Coast on Friday, Floridians faced the aftermath of the deadly storm with resiliency. Plans are being made now for Calvary Chapels to assist in the cleanup in coming weeks. 

Ian first made landfall on the southwest coast of Florida, hitting the Punta Gorda area with a hard punch. The Rock Church, a Calvary Chapel there, is intact but sustained some damage to the roof, mild flooding of the sanctuary, and significant damage to the Kids’ Rock Portable, according to the church website. “The property is a mess with brush and fallen trees, but cleanup began Friday to have the church ready for Sunday Services. A needs list has been put together and a response team will help with church member needs and then outreach to the Charlotte County community.” A team with Calvary Disaster Relief will arrive Saturday to make a full assessment of the damage and begin working on repairs.

Despite the damage to its own facilities, The Rock Church will become a central hub for relief teams, according to Danny Hodges, pastor of Calvary Chapel Fellowship in St. Petersburg. Danny is bringing a team next week. Aaron Smith, pastor of The Rock Church, calls from Calvary Chapels all over the U.S., offering to send teams to aid in the recovery, Danny reported. “He’s amazed that so many of the CC family of churches are reaching out.” Calvary Disaster Relief out of CC La Habra, CA, and Foley, AL, has begun to organize efforts.

Other fellowships weren’t damaged but are experiencing sustained water loss, power outages, and disrupted cell service. One church, Calvary Chapel Gulf Coast in Estero, will be holding Sunday service at 10 a.m. in front of the church. At CC Cape Coral, “many in the church have damage to their homes, but everyone is okay and praising the Lord for His protective hand of grace. Clean up has begun with tarping homes, tree and debris removal, etc.,” the website shared.

Calvary Chapel of Venice has incurred tree and water damage, and all the shingles were torn off the roof, reported Pastor Bob Wulfing. Calvary Relief was onsite Friday to determine the extent of damages and will start repairs Saturday. Friday was the first day many could use cell service, which remains spotty.

At Calvary Chapel Magazine, we thank God for His hand of mercy protecting the lives of so many through this devastating hurricane. Continue to pray for those providing assistance both to the churches as well as the communities they serve.

If you know of any Calvary Chapels impacted by Hurricane Ian, or of CC-related relief efforts, please contact Calvary Chapel Magazine at contact@calvarymagazine.org or call 540-373-7882.

                  

Photo above: Cars drive on a flooded street caused by Hurricane Ian this week in Fort Myers, FL. Florida has been devastated by this historic storm, and much relief work will need to be done to restore communities. Calvary Chapels have begun the process of sending teams. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandie)

All verses above are quoted from the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

© 2022 Calvary Chapel Magazine (CCM). All rights reserved. Articles or photographs may not be reproduced without the written permission of CCM. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.® Used by permission.