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

Florida Baptists respond to need in various ways

It is easy to forget in the midst of storms what normal feels like.

This weekend was the first in “many moons” that we haven’t been waiting on an angry visit from Charley, Frances, Ivan or Jeanne. They left us with a mess. But thank God for volunteers from our Florida Baptist churches and our Southern Baptist Convention churches who are helping us to dig out of the brush and debris! These volunteers are some of the most wonderful people in the world. We couldn’t pay them for all they do. Thank you, folks for caring about others in need.

I could never say enough praise for our pastors, church and associational staff members. They have gone the extra mile. I know of more than one who left damaged homes to assist fellow church members who had more damage or special needs. They have fleshed out the presence of Christ in their communities. They are tired—pray for their strength and disposition.

We have begun processing financial assistance requests through the Florida Baptist Convention. To date, we believe we can identify approximately 200 churches with damage. It is unbelievable. The stories we have heard, the tears that have been shed and the needs of congregations that have been expressed. We will do all we can, for as many as we can, for as long as we can. When we deplete our resources, we will help find resources as best we can. We will assist to the limit of our resources. I will be forever grateful to the State Board of Missions of the Florida Baptist Convention for going over and above to make resources available.

One of our pastors lost the roof of his house, which has happened in many instances around the state. However, this pastor was uninsured because the money previously allocated for insurance was used to provide his wife with cancer treatments. I recently shared this story at a church where I preached. After church, a woman gave me $20 and said, “I don’t know how, but let this be seed money for a new roof.” I told her, it will happen—God will provide. You see, I would have made the same choice as that pastor under any circumstance. You don’t act right because of circumstances, but during circumstances.

Many still have needs. Help us to meet those needs. You are so wonderful in your giving. Would you believe, in spite of our noisy quartet of storms, we received our Cooperative Program budget for September? Glory to God. There are no finer people on planet Earth than Florida Baptists.

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