The lead-up to Hurricane Irma was terrifying and exhausting. Floridians were all on edge, glued to their screens trying to determine where this monstrous storm was heading. Thousands of people decided to evacuate and leave town while others gathered supplies and put up storm shutters. Most everyone felt unprepared and nervous, but churches around the state were ready and prepared.
Even before the storm hit, Bayside Community Church handed out truckloads full of water and nonperishable food items to help families who were deciding to stick out the storm. Bayside is a non-denominational Christian Church located in Bradenton, Florida. Bradenton and Sarasota Counties were expected to get hit hard by this storm. Lead pastor Randy Bezet wanted Bayside to be a place where people could come and get food and supplies free of charge.
By the grace of God, the majority of Bradenton and Sarasota were spared from the wrath of Irma, but many still were without power and lots of flooding had occurred in neighboring counties. The day after the storm Bayside had hundreds of volunteers ready to give their time. Many felt so grateful to have their homes and possessions intact after the storm. They felt it was the right thing to do to help others that were not as fortunate.
Over the course of a week, Bayside had over 1,952 volunteers. These caring people helped to provide hot meals, water, family care packages, along with debris and tree clean up. The church really were the hands and feet of God during this hard time. Our community came together like never before and helped those in need. I served and volunteered with Bayside during this past week, and the experience was incredible. It felt so great to give back. Bayside traveled to Ft. Myers and Hardee county, and other affiliate churches have provided assistance this past week in Miami and Key West.
Courtesy USA Today
Here is a glimpse into Hurricane Irma Relief. Bayside provided:
- 9,200 cases of water
- 6,900 hot meals served
- 1,952 volunteers and over 12,000 volunteer hours
- 1,000 gallons of fuel
- Over 20 generators donated
In the aftermath of Irma, Christians provided more aid to Hurricane victims than FEMA (USA Today). Bayside, and other churches all around our state have banded together to help raise money, donate supplies, and volunteer their time to help rebuild our community. “Faith-based relief groups are responsible for providing nearly 80 percent of the aid delivered thus far to communities with homes devastated by the recent hurricanes”(USA Today). It is amazing to witness, and such a testimony to Gods love and kindness. During these hard times, it is such a blessing to be able to lean on one another and have support.
Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.