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

Victory claimed in midst of storms

Wilma was not a kind lady! She made a mess in Florida from Naples to Fort Lauderdale and everything in between. Several of the communities hit by the hurricane had not fully recovered from the storms of 2004. Wilma made the mess there worse.

But, we will not only survive, we will have victory. The wonderful churches of the Florida Baptist State Convention are resilient! We will bounce back! In fact, it is already happening. Here are some indicators:

—I talked with Dr. Larry Thompson at First Baptist Church, Fort Lauderdale. The church building was damaged, however, he baptized 47 persons on Oct. 30. Victory!

—I visited with Dr. Ron Harvey at First Baptist Church, Pompano Beach. The wonderful volunteers from Tennessee had their feeding unit at the church. Dr. Harvey praised them but also noted the amazing response from his church family to assist in the work. They had standing room only the Sunday after the storm. Victory!

—I visited First Baptist Church of Belle Glade, the most devastated place I saw on my six-day journey. The pastor, Gary Folds, had no electricity and a feeding line that looked a block long. He was looking for gas and generators to have their Harvest Festival with the children. Victory!

—For me another indication of victory has been Florida Baptists’ response to the storms in Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. Many of our Florida churches have adopted churches in those devastated areas. In addition to sending volunteers and feeding units, the Florida Baptist Convention has made and will make significant financial contributions, including:

—Florida’s Cooperative Program for 2005 is over budget by approximately $1.2 million. The State Board of Missions authorized the expenditure of $600,000 from the overages:
• $250,000 for New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
• $125,000 for Mississippi Baptists
• $125,000 for Louisiana Baptists
• $100,000 for use with Rita in Texas
All of this is possible because you are so faithful. Victory!

—The Maguire State Mission Offering is always received during hurricane season. Florida Baptists have always given well to this offering. In fact, through October, we are ahead of 2004 and if giving in November and December continue at the same pace, we can reach our goal. (Remember the offering generates funding for disaster relief.) Victory!

I am so grateful for you. Our churches constantly rise to the occasion. Storms have become a regular part of life and we continue to have victory in the midst of the storms. Thank you Jesus! Thank you Florida Baptists!

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You may contact Dr. John Sullivan at
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