God is Still in the Rescuing Business

It has been a rough three weeks! It was first Hurricane Helene, then Milton two weeks later. We may wonder where God is, but I can tell you He is alive and well. On Saturday, I wanted to see what God has been doing through these storms, so we had a time of testimony.

         First is Sonya. She lives in Zone B, an area that was to be evacuated due to predicted storm surges that were supposed to happen at high tide. Sonya has no flood insurance, as she didn't live in the flood zone. She has a husband, Larry, who is in his eighties, and evacuating was not going to happen. She went to bed during Hurricane Helene and woke up with water in her driveway. They were praising the Lord that they were well. Then, two weeks later came Hurricane Milton. This time, Larry wouldn't evacuate either, so they went to bed early. We were expecting 15-foot storm surges. I was concerned about her as she lived on the other side of Route 41 and closer to the gulf than most of us. Then, around 11 pm, she woke up to a river that used to be a street. It came up to her doorstep. It was as if God said this far and no further! Sonya should have evacuated but didn't. She is my head elder and a prayer warrior like no other. God spared their lives that Wednesday night when He said this far and no further. Larry is coming to know Jesus through Sonya’s great faith.

         Anita and her husband lost their electricity as most of us did, but theirs was out much longer and in danger of losing all the food in her refrigerator and freezer. They didn't have a generator and couldn't afford one at this time as houses weren’t selling too well with high interest rates, but God knew all this. Her next-door neighbor spoke to them and told them I have an extra generator that you can borrow if you want it. God saved their food, and now her electricity has been restored. She still has spotty internet, but she can use her hotspot to get her work done.

         Then came Althea and Linda. Both were afraid of the possibility of a 15-foot storm surge. So, I invited them to stay in our condo, which was three stories. We got very little damage. We never needed to drag out our generator or grill as we live near the hospital, and our electricity was restored in less than 12 hours. Linda and her kitties returned safely to their home with no damage. Althea did the same. No damage to her as well.

         Chris hadn't even been home to assess damages as he was out caring for others. to help clean up their messes. He has such a positive attitude and is always cheerful. Our kids love him.

Larolyn had no damage, just a few limbs down. Rick never evacuated. He knew God would take care of him. He is preparing to join the church after a few more Bible studies.

         I saved the best for last: Pam and her husband Mark. They did not do well during either of the storms. They live in a flood zone in Punta Gorda. She got 3 feet of water in her home from Hurricane Helene. The church raised exactly $1100.00 for her, which she needed for her electricity to be restored. Pam and Mark are raising their granddaughter with two pets, a dog and a bunny. During the storm, Mark stayed at the house, and Pam and Molly stayed with her parents. Mark began to see the waters rise and realized he needed to get to higher ground. Mark placed the dog out the window to swim to higher ground, then put their bunny in a cooler as he started to panic. He exited the window and got to their neighbor Sarah, whose house was more elevated. They stayed there to ride out the rest of the storm. God spared Mark's life and their two pets. He sees a little sparrow fall from their nests. He certainly can care about a dog and bunny that belongs to a young lady who has lost so much.

Pam's mom and dad saw some flooding during Hurricane Helene, but nothing compared to Hurricane Milton. They all evacuated due to the 15-foot storm surges expected. Even though that was difficult, it was nothing that God couldn't figure out.

Heather and Paul, Pam's daughter and husband, took her parents to West Palm Beach to evacuate. When they got there, the motel lost their reservation. So Pam gave up hers as that is who she is, the most caring person I know, my children's leader. Mark and Pam made a reservation at Long Key. They also lost their reservation, so they upgraded theirs to a beautiful room with a kitchen and gave them one night for free. God knew what she would be facing when she got back home. He knew they would need a good, long rest.

When she got back, her mom's house was not livable, and neither was hers. Her parents were considering selling and moving into a place that didn't need maintenance, lawn mowing, etc. They have found a nice place like that. God knew just what they would need before they knew it. Pam and Mark now had no place to live either. In the meantime, Pam's brother's house was on the market and had not yet sold. Now he knows why; His sister would need a place to live. It just so happens Samaritan's Purse is down here and will be helping with the cleanup. Through it all, Pam's faith has been super strong. She tells me God never promised me that nothing bad would happen to me, just that He would be with me every step of the way. She tells me God is doing that. Her husband has even started praying with her, which is awesome. Mark will come to know Jesus more deeply because of Pam's faith.

         So, if you think God doesn't speak to His people or isn't there for His people, think again.

Come out, meet my leaders and attendees, and receive a free copy of "God Still Lives". We meet each Saturday at Young Life in the mall from 1-3 pm. The first Saturday of the month starts with a potluck at 12:30 pm. The second Saturday includes a healthy lifestyle class with plant-based whole foods samples for you to try, along with recipes.

I'm looking forward to seeing you soon! May God richly bless you as you continue to learn to trust in Jesus and take your next step with Him.