BY DR. JOHN SULLIVAN
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR-TREASURER
FLORIDA BAPTIST CONVENTION

Life’s storms will not determine our demeanor

It is difficult to realize that just days ago, everything was normal. Now, normal is coming out of the storm; waiting for the storm; or living through the storm! However, life has always had some of these elements.

As I write this, “Ivan the Terrible” is on the way. Forecasters have “him” more intense than Hurricanes Frances or Charley. What will we do? We will win victories; win others to Christ; set a good example; work hard and thank God for His goodness.

During the past three weeks, I have been up and down the state from Ft. Myers to Tampa; Punta Gorda to Arcadia; Orlando to Lake Wales; Jacksonville to Lake City; and to Gainesville, Ocala, and Lake Yale. I believe you are getting the picture. I have discovered—I’m right!

I’m right—the finest, most generous, loving and helpful folks in the world are Florida Baptists.

I’m right—the finest of the finest work on the staff of the Florida Baptist Convention. Our staff has given of themselves in an unbelievable way.

I’m right—our pastors and staff in the churches and associations “stay by the stuff” and are ministering in a wonderful way.

I’m right—God does provide. We are receiving donations to assist in meeting needs and helping our churches rebuild.

I must admit, it feels good to be right.

Florida Baptist Convention assessment teams have discovered that at least five or six Florida Baptist churches have been destroyed by the two hurricanes to hit the state this past month; 26 churches have been heavily damaged and 27 churches have been moderately damaged. Many of these churches cannot meet in their facilities. Some have been condemned.

I will be asking our State Board of Missions when it meets Sept. 24 to take some steps to assist as we try to help our churches rebuild. When a storm causes a congregation to miss its Sunday worship services, the church will also miss financial contributions that underwrite the ministry of the church. We must take some steps to stand in the gap to financially assist our pastors, staff and associational personnel when this happens.

We are already finding that while many of our churches are insured, their deductibles will be expensive. Repairs will be needed. Counseling will become critical.

Here is my promise: “We will assist our churches to the fullest measure possible with the resources at our disposal.” The Florida Baptist Convention cannot do everything, but we can do what we do best—minister to our people.

God will teach us how to live through the storms. We will not let Charley, Frances or Ivan determine our demeanor. We will allow the Lord we love to renew us when we are weary as He gently speaks—“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” That settles it for me.

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You may contact Dr. John Sullivan at
1-800-226-8584, ext. 3015, or by e-mail.