INSPIRASUNS

Last night we had our annual meeting at church. It’s a time when we come together to review the past year, discuss, and plan for the year ahead.

This year will be different for our church. You see, we are embarking on a large project. A project that carries with it much emotion. Over the past three years, there have been two hurricanes that have not been kind to our church. First, Hurricane Ian, the devastating storm that destroyed much of the Southwest Florida Gulf Coast in September 2022. Our beautiful little church, Sunday school rooms, and offices incurred major damage. Flood waters inside the church reached almost 20″. Then, in October 2024, Hurricane Milton, another monster storm, came through and once again, even with extensive preparation, did its damage. In both cases, months of remediation and restoration work ensued to get things back in order. Having been in the middle of Milton, I can tell you, the work was not easy, it was stressful, and it takes a toll on all involved.

We’ve made changes in each case. We learn something each time. We’re better prepared for the next storm. However, what we can’t change is the fact that our little church sits below flood levels. So, after much work by a committee made up of long-time parishioners, the decision was made to take down our beautiful church and rebuild it at a higher elevation. Yes, much emotion has been involved in this decision, but if we want this sacred space to be here for the next generation, it is a necessary step.

The year ahead will have its challenges, I know. However, the love of the church and continued prayer as we embark on this project, it will guide us to right decisions. We will rebuild this sacred space just as it is today, only 4′ higher. Yes, there will be improvements, but the main building, it will be our beautiful little church.

So, friends, this morning I just ask for your prayers as we begin this project. Lift prayers for Father to lead us through each step, to guide us to right decisions, and to show us each day the path we are to follow. Thanks so much, my friends, for always being here. The pictures below show you, 1) how our little church looks most of the time, 2) how it looked during Ian, and 3) how it will look when the project is completed.

Psalm 91:1-2
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”