Ministry In Florida

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Hurricane Ian was a large and destructive Category 4 Atlantic hurricane that was the deadliest hurricane to strike the state of Florida since the 1935 Labor Day hurricane. Ian caused widespread damage across western Cuba and the southeast United States, especially the states of Florida and South Carolina. It was the ninth named storm, fourth hurricane, and second major hurricane of the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season.

Ian caused catastrophic damage with losses estimated to be over $50 billion. Much of the damage was from flooding brought about by a storm surge of 10–15 ft (3.0–4.6 m).[8] The cities of Fort Myers Beach and Naples were particularly hard hit. Millions were left without power in the storm's wake, and numerous inhabitants were forced to take refuge on their roofs. Sanibel Island and Pine Island were hardest hit by the storm surge, which destroyed numerous structures and damaged both the Sanibel Causeway and the bridge to Pine Island.  (Wikipedia)

Forging Strategic Partnerships : The Lord initially led us to Fort Myers via a request from the Executive Director of Disaster Relief for Inspiritus to come and help. For now our partners are Inspiritus, Mission on Wheels - Texas, Anthem Church - Fort Myers, Adventures in Missions - Fort Myers, and the Greater Pine Island Alliance.

Types of Work : It appears that initially we will limit our role to reconstituting the storage shed work that we began in Waveland. It is early so we really have no idea how many sheds we will build.  As many as the Lord will allow and provide for is the simple answer. Eventually I expect that we will be rebuilding homes to a sanitary, safe and secure condition. How many - God knows.  

Typically what we think we would be doing is only the tip of the iceberg.  For now, it appears that we will be building the shed components at Anthem Church with the assistance on local volunteers and Inspiritus.  The assembly of the sheds will be accomplished currently by two Disaster Relief Partners - Adventures in Missions working on homes in Harlem Heights in Fort Myers and the Greater Pine Island Alliance on Pine Island. 

Fund Raising : Our ministry has always been about helping those who cannot get help but have a legitimate need for help.  Most often that help is in the form of materials and labor.  In nearly every case the people do not receive enough money to pay for labor and materials.  We raise money on a case by case basis to assist them.  We cannot help everyone, but we will help those that the Lord provides resources for.  Knowing who they are requires discernment and much prayer.  

Operating In Florida: The wheels of ministry require lubrication. That lubrication is money and volunteers. At this point our "non-shed" expenses are primarily administrative and mission support. Fuel, utilities, internet access, etc. Martie and I do not draw a salary from Pathfinder.

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