By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer
NAPLES, Fla. (LBM) – Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief teams recently wrapped up a fruitful month of ministry amongst residents impacted by Hurricane Ian as they saw more than 28 individuals make decisions to follow Christ.
From Oct. 3-Oct. 28, team members stationed at First Baptist Church, Naples prepared more than 102,000 meals for residents, and another 4,000 for Southern Baptist DR team members. Teams also were able to complete 373 mud-out jobs.
Louisiana Baptist DR team members were assisted by Texas Baptist Men, the Ohio Baptist Convention and an estimated 300 members of FBC, Naples, which hosted the three state conventions.
During their final weekend, Louisiana Baptist DR members joined members of FBC Naples for a fall festival that drew more than 5,000 participants. The Louisianans worked in a designated area of the church that offered participants the opportunity to make salvation bracelets, which contained a series of colored beads representing key aspects of the Gospel.
It was at this location that Terry Parks, a chaplain and member of First Baptist Church, Swartz, led a girl Anastasia, 11, to Christ.
“She came up and her mom knew she was close to making a decision,” Parks said. “It was awesome to pray with her as she accepted Jesus as her Savior. How incredible it was to know we had come from three states away and found people hungry for nourishment as well as for the Gospel. It was a reminder the Holy Spirit continues to move.”
Gail Fooshee, a member of Second Baptist Church, Jackson, assisted Parks’ wife, Denise, with washing the laundry of other team members who worked out in the field each day.
She expressed gratitude for the hospitality shown by members of FBC Naples. Fooshee especially was moved when First Baptist Academy’s sixth grade class presented the volunteers with treats and thank you cards.
“What a blessing it was to hear these children share their heart with us,” she said. “We all were in tears in the end.”
Louisiana Baptist DR Strategist Stan Statham expressed gratitude for the many volunteers who worked tirelessly throughout the month-long disaster relief effort.
“Volunteers from Louisiana, Texas and Ohio, along with FBC Naples, demonstrated how a cooperative spirit is important in reaching people for Chris,” said Statham.
Louisiana Baptist DR Associate Mark Morelock echoed the thought.
“It was such an encouragement to work alongside FBC Naples as they have intentional systems in place to follow up with decisions and discipleship,” Morelock said. “As Louisiana DR left its impact, you know you are leaving those that you have helped in good hands.”
