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The good things that come from disaster is realized in First Baptist Church of Matlacha and the life of its pastor. The destruction was evil in its destruction, deprivation, and discouragement. But it was a blessing disguised as God's people demonstrated God's love by giving, organizing, and aiding in the restoration. God will always take care of his own.
Chris McAviney, Director of ORH Disaster Relief, wrote the about his experience of such disaster and blessing.
"At an age when most men would retire, Pastor Rob Jupp, became pastor of First Baptist Church of Matlacha in Cape Coral Florida. During Hurricane Ian, flood waters filled the church buildings and parsonage with over 3 feet of water. Church doors, furnishings, carpet, and parsonage were badly damaged. Pastor Jupp and his wife were forced to leave the parsonage as the waters destroyed their life-long possessions.
For 11 weeks, Pastor Jupp and his wife were forced to live in a classroom of a church in Bayshore because hotel rooms were unavailable. During this time, volunteers organized and repaired the parsonage, making it inhabitable. Pastor Jupp said that while waiting, he and his wife washed their hair in a bucket on a picnic table in front of their room.
Over the months, several groups have worked to strip out the damage in the church building. They remodeled the church kitchen, fellowship hall, and bathrooms. Even with this help, the church is still raising money for carpet replacement.
ORH has given $10,000.00 for church carpet and parsonage roof. In addition, ORH has given $1500.00 to Pastor and Mrs. Jupp to help them personally.
Thank God your giving made this possible.
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