Relief Coming to Florida as Ian Moves On

Story by Margot Bass

Relief efforts from the Calvary Chapel family of churches are beginning for victims and communities devastated by Hurricane Ian. Leaving behind a huge path of destruction, it is considered to be one of the most powerful to make landfall in Florida and perhaps in the U.S.

Damaged homes and debris are shown in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian on Thursday, September 29, in Fort Myers Beach, FL. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

On Wednesday, Ian—a Category 4 hurricane—made landfall on Florida’s western coast. One of the areas hardest hit was in Punta Gorda, home of The Rock Church, a Calvary Chapel fellowship. Early reports indicate that the church received extensive damage.

Calvary Disaster Relief (CDR), located out of CC La Habra, CA, is gearing up to assist in Florida soon. Supplies will be brought on a 15- to 20-hour journey to The Rock Church from Calvary Chapel Foley, AL—CDR’s hub on the Gulf Coast. Joe Aldrete, pastor of CC Foley, said today that he will be sending 12 generators and gasoline. He also hopes to bring a mobile kitchen to feed people.

A first responder with Orange County (FL) Fire Rescue makes her way through floodwaters looking for residents of a neighborhood needing help in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian on Thursday in Orlando, FL. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

“Pray for the safety of those impacted by the hurricane and for the Gospel to go out in practical ways,” Joe said. He noted that CDR is funded by donations from the many different Calvary Chapels. “We couldn’t do what we’re doing without them.” To donate or volunteer, go to calvarydisasterrelief.org. Donations, designated for missions/relief work, can also be mailed to CC La Habra, 1370 Euclid St., La Habra, CA 90631.

Any Calvary Chapels in need of help are urged to contact Calvary Disaster Relief

Hurricane Ian caused great damage to a causeway at Sanibel Island, FL. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

On Thursday, Ian was downgraded to a tropical storm and moved to central Florida and north into the Atlantic Ocean. Gaining speed and forming into a Category 1 hurricane (nearly 75 mph), it is expected to move up the coast to Charleston, SC, by Friday. News reports on Thursday indicated that there have been seven deaths.

Although St. Petersburg, FL, didn’t take the brunt of the storm, Ian still left behind serious damage, including this uprooted, fallen tree. Photo by Mark Smith of Calvary Chapel Fellowship, St. Petersburg, FL

To donate or volunteer, go to calvarydisasterrelief.org. Donations, designated for missions/relief work, can also be mailed to CC La Habra, 1370 Euclid St., La Habra, CA 90631.
Any Calvary Chapels in need of help are urged to contact Calvary Disaster Relief

 

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

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