Updates
South Florida Nazarenes still recovering from Katrina September
03, 2005
Perhaps underestimated in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina's destruction
in the Southeast United States is the affect the storm had on South
Florida. While the destruction was not nearly as severe, there were
more than 1.5 million South Florida residents without power after
Katrina first hit the Miami area August 25 as a category 1 storm.
Three people were killed in this area and many homes and churches
were damaged.
The following is a damage report from the South Florida District:
Miami Carol City Ebenezer (Jorge Diaz, pastor) -
Lost entire wooden fencing that surrounded the church patio/fellowship
area. Light poles were also blown down. Carol City Ebenezer has no
windstorm insurance. The estimate cost of repair is between $8,000
and $10,000.
Margate (Mark Donnelly, pastor) - Approximately
70 feet of the flat roof of the church was blown off. The church experienced
considerable water damage on ceilings and walls. The church has insurance
with a high deductible. Some estimates for repair are as high as $25,000.
Ft. Lauderdale First (Dale Ward, pastor) - Lost
about a 30 foot section on the roof to one of their educational units
causing water damage inside and to their fellowship hall. The Ft.
Lauderdale First campus is covered with large oak trees. Many trees
were blown over. One tree fell through a window into the sanctuary,
but providentially also fell on the roof and kept it from blowing
off. The application of a tarp has not been successful in stopping
water intrusion. Pastor Ward, who just started pastoring at the church,
believes it will cost from $6,000 - $10,000 to make the needed repairs.
The church has been unable to afford windstorm insurance. Many downed
trees still litter the property. A group headed by Pastors Danny Moore
(Pahokee) and Foster Schmitt (Pompano) removed the tree that fell
through the sanctuary and made repairs to the sanctuary roof.
Miami First (John Pierre) - A significant number
of shingles were blown off the roof allowing water intrusion in various
parts of the church, including the pastor¡¦s office (ceiling and carpet
had to be removed). An outdoor hallway collapsed from the water intrusion.
On Saturday, September 3, they are hoping to put a tarp on the roof
as a temporary fix. No estimate is available for repairs. Interestingly,
the church board and pastor had long discussions about the high costs
of windstorm insurance. The group elected to pay their ¡§Funds for
Others¡¨ (budgets) instead of the $8,000+ insurance premium. They
still believe they made the right decision and believe God will provide
a means for them in this new challenge.
Miami Berea - New Start (Cecilia Moran, pastor)
- They are dealing with roof leaks and water intrusion into the church.
Trees remain down. There is no estimate for repair costs as of yet.
--Dennis Moore, South Florida District NMI
We encourage you to continue your prayer support for these hurricane
victims and urge you to send support for the relief efforts. Persons
and churches wishing to make a donation for relief efforts can mark
their checks payable to General Treasurer, Church of the Nazarene
with "ACM1801 Hurricane Katrina Relief”
in the memo line.
 On-line
using VISA or MasterCard- OR In the US, make checks payable to: General Treasurer
- and mail to:
General Treasurer
6401 The Paseo
Kansas City, MO 64131
- In Canada, make checks payable to: Church of the Nazarene
- and mail to:
Church of the Nazarene Canada
20 Regan Road, Unit 9
Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3
All donations remitted through NCM and the General Treasurers Office
will receive 10% Mission Special credit if the local church is identified.
NCM is the liaison between the pressing needs of the world and the
individuals that are committed to making a difference. We understand
that you may not be able to respond to every need. However, we want
to keep you informed of the opportunities for your involvement in
projects such as this. Every project deserves your individual consideration.
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