Baptist Press
By Scott Barkley, posted October 9, 2024 in Churches and Ministry, Disaster Relief
FLORIDA GULF COAST (BP) — As Hurricane Milton makes its approach to the western coast here, many Florida Baptist pastors are choosing to remain in place.
In a video posted yesterday, Oct. 8, Pastor Willy Rice of Calvary Church in Clearwater encouraged those capable of doing so to evacuate.
“If you can go, go,” said Rice, seated next to Kennon Wiley, lead pastor of connections and director of guest services.
The next safest place to be, he added, is an official evacuation shelter, which are set up with cots and can accommodate those with pets or special needs.
Calvary is making its Clearwater and East Lake campuses available for those seeking somewhere “a little bit bigger and stronger” than a house. It will not be a shelter in an “official” capacity, though, meaning services offered at those would not be available.
“For those who feel safe at our building, we’re certainly going to do everything we can do to help,” said Rice, but adding that individuals would need to provide their own bedding and food.
Plan “like you’re going on a camping trip,” minus the stoves, he said.
Both locations opened at 9 a.m. today but have no generator. Those sheltering should expect to lose power and are encouraged to bring extra batteries and charge their phones beforehand. More Here
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