The Rev. Dr. Roy Martin, General Presbyter of the Presbytery of Florida, described the damage caused by the hurricane and its associated tornadoes in graphic terms. \u201cIf you were to fly over Lynn Haven [Florida] you would say, if you know your history, it’s like a bombed-out Dresden in 1940.\u201d<\/p>\n
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<\/a>Coast Guard crews provide assistance post-Hurricane Michael in Mexico Beach, Florida, Oct. 14, 2018. The Coast Guard is working with local, state and federal partners for Hurricane Michael post-storm response across northwest Florida. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Hunter Medley)<\/p><\/div>\n
Circle of gratitude<\/strong><\/p>\n Calling the way Presbyterians respond to needs in the wider church a \u201ccircle of gratitude,\u201d Martin is thankful for the connectional nature of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)<\/a> and the many offers of assistance already received, adding that short-term needs in the region are primarily financial. You can donate to disaster relief in Flint River Presbytery here<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cPDA is here with us for the long haul,\u201d he said. \u201cTheir National Response Team members are here to be with as many congregations as possible in worship this weekend. We\u2019ll formulate a long-term plan, but if people want to donate money to the Foundation\u2019s funds, that would be the best way to help because it enables us to determine where the resources are most needed and distribute them.\u201d<\/p>\n While many churches have insurance to cover property damage, Martin is concerned for smaller congregations with limited or no hurricane-related coverage. Monies collected, he said, will make all the difference in these small congregations\u2019 ability to continue ministry in their communities.<\/p>\n The Rev. Deb Bibler, Executive Presbyter in Flint River Presbytery that ranges from the Georgia-Florida border to just south of Atlanta, has heard from many pastors who are concerned for members of their congregations, especially those without storm insurance or with damage not covered by insurance.<\/p>\n \u201cThere’s still no drinking water for a lot of people, particularly in the Albany, Donaldsonville and Bainbridge (Georgia) areas,\u201d she said. \u201cThe water is not yet safe to drink. Electricity is slowly coming back on. The biggest thing we’re seeing is trees that fell \u2014 that are not on a building or on your house \u2014 are not generally covered by insurance.\u201d<\/p>\n Sixteen of the presbytery\u2019s 44 congregations were damaged by the storm and she estimates 1,000 individual Presbyterians have property damages ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 or greater.<\/p>\n Sharing love and hope<\/strong><\/p>\n The Rev. Lisa Wilson Martin, pastor of First Presbyterian Church in hard-hit Lynn Haven, Florida, said, \u201cFamilies are pulling together to continue the ministries of the congregation in new and creative ways.\u201d<\/p>\n Due to extensive damage to its sanctuary, First Presbyterian will be worshiping outside this Sunday. \u201cOur presence in the community in which we reside will be amped up so that our neighbors experience the genuine love of Christ that we share in word and deed,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n While acknowledging the pain of widespread personal and congregational losses, an air of gratitude permeates conversations with those in the Presbytery of Florida and Flint River Presbytery<\/a>. Gratitude for neighbors, for relief groups and national agencies, and for connections to the wider Presbyterian Church.<\/p>\n \u201cNobody lost a life in our presbytery, so we praise God,\u201d said Bibler. \u201cAnd all I hear and all I feel is gratitude. That’s all it is, gratitude that we’re alive and together. We can do this together and for that, we are so grateful.\u201d<\/p>\n