On Friday, February 2, at least three tornadoes, with winds as high as 165
miles per hour, hit the central Florida counties of Lake, Sumter, Seminole,
and Volusia between 3:00 and 4:00 a.m. Initial reports from Bob Watkins,
Florida Mission Center president, have ascertained that damage to church
property is at a minimum and church members sustained no loss of life during
these storms.
From Bob Watkins:
To the best of our knowledge our folks have been blessed with minor
damage and no loss of life. The Deerhaven congregation is joining with
federal, state, and local agencies to provide food for families that are
affected in the community.
The area around the Tavares congregation was also affected by the storm
but after visiting with local leaders, the church itself has little to no
damage and we believe the homes of our members were spared. Mission center
representatives have contacted members in other areas whose homes sustained
damage to see if immediate needs can be met through mission center oblation
funds.
The Deerhaven Retreat and Conference Center was also spared major damage.
There were some tense moments as the campground director and caretakers
gathered Winter Reunion participants to safety from all parts of the
campground including the cabins, campers, and the residence center.
Randy Bronson, the Florida Mission Center’s representative from Second
Harvest Food Bank, met with various agencies bringing support to families in
need. At the current time they have more food than is needed and additional
trucks were not needed from Second Harvest.
If you would like to help, you can contribute to the World Church
Oblation Fund online at
www.CofChrist.org/WorldMinistries/ or through your offering envelopes.
Donations can also be made to Second Harvest Food Bank through their website
at
www.foodbankcentralflorida.org.
I am extremely grateful for the blessing of life and the assurance of
God’s love, even in the midst of the tragedy we are currently facing. Your
prayers and continued support are appreciated.
