Since the storm made landfall in Florida, EveryEthne regional director Rich Culp and his team have been reaching out to churches in need. And they’re seeing gospel work happening in impacted areas.
360 Church of Sarasota, Fla., an ABWE sending church partner, sprang to action and began a collection drive for heavy duty trash cans, trash bags, gloves, bleach, shovels, and other cleaning supplies to help clean up efforts in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Charlotte Harbor.
Believing it was their duty, the 360 Church family “took their eyes off themselves” and reached into devasted areas never dreaming of the number of conversations and spiritual appointments bottles of bleach could bring in times of need, according to Pastor Dan Cymbal.
“Our small groups are caring for communities more than ever,” Cymbal said. “Churches able to lend a hand are opening their eyes to their neighbors. What the hurricane did for this community has blown me away. It has opened relationships for the first time, literally being the hands and feet of Jesus.”
Yet there is still much work to be done.
Water is still flooding neighborhoods and, in some places, civilians are not allowed back yet to assess damages, according to Cymbal.
“Just because highways are clear, doesn’t mean life is back to normal. Many are beginning a long-haul recovery process, ministries included.”
The EveryEthne team needs prayer. Pray that they will be more and more aware of the needs they can meet, and how to advance the gospel amid great human need.
You can help churches like 360 be conduits for the love of Jesus through cleaning supplies and offers of help to those in need. ABWE’s crisis fund can equip more volunteers can be the hands and feet of Jesus following this tragedy.
