I weep when churches are hurt. I rejoice when the body of Christ comes together to help these churches.
Today, I am prayerfully calling on you to help churches directly affected by two monster hurricanes.
We are still a long way from knowing the extent of the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. As I write this article, we are waiting for a direct hit on the Tampa Bay area by Hurricane Milton, likely near Bradenton.
Church Answers has three team members who live in or near Bradenton: Sam Rainer, Matt McCraw, and Wes Hamilton. These three men represent two churches, West Bradenton Baptist and First Baptist of Bartow. They are not merely waiting on a hurricane; they are waiting to act as first responders. They are putting their lives on the line to help others.
That is how the body of Christ works.
Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton affected hundreds, if not thousands, of churches. We at Church Answers want to help as many of these churches as possible. I have two specific and bold requests.
A Call to Fervent Prayer
Lives were lost in Hurricane Helene. Churches were devastated. Even now, we don’t know the extent of the fatalities and the damage.
By the time many of you read this article, Hurricane Milton will be hitting the Tampa Bay area. We will wait to hear the reports later.
And I will wait in earnest prayer for my own son.
Please pray. Please pray fervently for the churches, their leaders, and their members. Pray for God’s intervention and mercy. Start a movement of prayer where you are right now.
Please leave a comment at the end of this article when you pray. Let these churches know we have not forgotten them.
I personally thank you as the CEO of Church Answers and as a dad who loves his son greatly.
A Call to Sacrificial Giving
Many of you might not be aware that local churches are among the first responders. They need immediate funds for chainsaws, tools, wood, generators, and so much more. There will be more needs later, but we know the immediate needs.
Church Answers has set up a hurricane relief fund for churches at our sister not-for-profit organization, Now Go Network. Over 250,000 churches in America contact Church Answers every year. We know the churches. We know how to help the churches. We are ready to help many churches in the paths of two monster hurricanes.
Please consider giving sacrificially to help the churches. Your tax-deductible gift to Now Go Network will go directly to the churches. Here is the link: https://nowgonetwork.org/donate/?donation_term=once
Thank you so very much. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for your collective hearts. The body of Christ is absolutely amazing.
Thom
P. S. Please leave a comment letting us know you are praying.
P. P. S. Please send a sacrificial tax-deductible gift to the churches. Here is the link https://nowgonetwork.org/donate/?donation_term=once.
Posted on October 9, 2024
With nearly 40 years of ministry experience, Thom Rainer has spent a lifetime committed to the growth and health of local churches across North America.
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49 Comments
Our church had a time of prayer last night specifically for those affected and being affected by these storms. We are hosting a large choral concert next Friday night and attendees (expecting close to 500) are being asked to bring items to donate for a small community in SC that was hit hard by Helene.
I am so grateful for churches like yours, Jeff.
Prayers sent –
Grace Communion Fellowship Sioux Falls, SD
Thank you, JoAnn.
We are praying for all those affected by these powerful storms.
Bristol Community Church, Bristol, Indiana.
Thank you, Gary.
Praying for all involved. A special prayer for your family Sam and the team at Church Answers and wisdom as you also seek a response strategy. I am about 1 hour from the Devastation in Western NC. We truly are living in perilous times. Praying for the Church Answers Team and those in the Florida area as well.
Thank you so much, Paul.
What do you mean by moderation? Have I said something wrong or against God’s word or anybody else?
Teofilo –
All comments go through moderation. It is a quick process where we make certain there are no lewd and profane comments. We rarely get those types of comments, so we rarely fail to approve a comment.
We know and trust on God’s mercy so we are praying and encourage everyone to do so because He can turn things around and bring blessings. But let believers not forget to pray for repentance and turning to God and depend on his word and his promises. Blessings to all
Thank you, Teofilo.
Greetings Thom from Melbourne Australia. In 3 hours I will assemble with our Home group. And we will pray for this horrendous storm approaching Florida.
Be assured that we join hands with you all……..this is getting top news coverage in Australia
God’s eternal peace and wisdom be with all those affected.
John –
Thank you so much. I love how the body of Christ comes together around the world.
At FBC Colorado City, Texas, we have been praying, and will continue to pray, for all those affected by Hurricane Helene and now for the people of Florida.
Thanks so much, Greg.
I am praying along with other brothers and sisters. Praying God’s hand to steer the storm away from Florida. Lord help these people. I pray for protection for the churches in harms way.
Thank you, my friend.
Been praying and will be praying!
Thank you, Scott.
We are praying in Boone, North Carolina!
Our town already has items of access that have been so generously given to us from Helene ready to ship to Florida!
Thanks, Mitch.
This is a great idea to help the churches affected. We received information from AARP that they have a match of funds for the direct relief of Hurricane victims up to $400,000. We always try to get as much bang for our buck (donation) as we can. but we will consider your fund as well! God bless.
I understand. Give wherever you feel led.