MILTON, Fla. (BP)–Dispensing emergency grants and “spiritual care” in Milton, Bagdad, St. Marks and Century, Fla., several Florida Baptist Convention staff members made a difference July 12 to individuals suffering in the aftermath of Hurricane Dennis.
Convention staffers visited several communities still reeling from the Category 3 hurricane, which struck with force and knocked out power for nearly 500,000 people in a three-state area July 10.
Fritz Wilson, coordinator for Florida Baptist Disaster Relief, said in a press release July 13 that the previous day had gone “well.”
“It was a typical second day with a lot of activity, some changes and a few challenges,” Wilson said. “Nevertheless, all objectives of the operation were met today. Units and teams arrived and the operation really jumped into high gear.”
Fritz also reported:
— The feeding unit at Rocky Bayou Baptist Church in Niceville was cancelled due to the power being restored in the area.
— The Lake Yale feeding unit served dinner at Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola.
— Eight Florida clean-up units and more than 75 volunteers arrived in the panhandle. Four teams began work immediately. The other four units were scheduled to join them July 13.
— The Georgia Baptist Convention’s kitchen unit, operations unit, communications unit, small shower unit and two clean-up teams arrived at Immanuel Baptist Church in Pace. They began preparing and serving meals in conjunction with the American Red Cross and were scheduled to help conduct home damage assessments and clear trees.
— The Texas Baptist Men’s shower unit arrived and began operation immediately.
— A Samaritan’s Purse bobcat crew arrived late July 12 and started partnering with clean-up operations.
— A Salvation Army shower unit was scheduled to arrive July 13.
— Southern Baptist Convention President Bobby Welch was expected to visit sites in Alabama and Florida July 13.
Florida Baptist Convention Disaster Relief officials are asking for volunteers who can work outside in clean-up and recovery in the Pensacola area. Individuals and groups may call the command center volunteer desk at (904) 254-7029 for assignments.
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