“Let me explain how we deal with these storms. The professionals will get basic infrastructure running first—clearing roads and debris,” Rainer said. “While we will be without power, internet, and cell service, most everyone has food and water. Floridians are truly a tough bunch. We know how to manage these storms.”
The pastor said that people who are interested in helping can do so best by giving financially to local churches, as opposed to sending actual items. “Our grocery stores will be restocked before the supplies you mail arrive,” he said. “Everything happens fast here.”
Rainer acknowledged “large relief organizations…do a lot of good” but said “my church has people who will be among the first to put boots on the ground. They will chainsaw. They will transport people via boats. They will deliver generators. They will pull carpet and cut drywall.”
“Whatever is needed right after the storm will get done by LOCALS. If you want to support a LOCAL church at ground zero with an army of volunteers, we could use your help,” said Rainer. “Our church staff and leaders, including me, are here now. West Bradenton is ready to go.”
“Anything you can give will help run generators, boats, and chainsaws. We won’t stop until the work is done—except for church on Sunday,” said Rainer. “West Bradenton family, rain or shine, power or no power, we’re gathering this Sunday. I’ll see you there.”
Those interested in supporting the relief efforts of Rainer’s church can donate at this link.
Tom Ascol, senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Cape Coral, Florida, and president of Founders Ministries, said, “I am grateful for all of the expressions of concern, offers of help & promises of prayer for us as Hurricane Milton bears down on SW Florida.”
“It looks like we will be impacted by the storm & we have made all the preparations that we can,” Ascol said.
Like Rainer’s, Ascol’s church has been working hard this week to help its community prepare for the impending storm. “We have first-responders who have been deployed for rapid response & others who have been called up to serve with various emergency services,” said Ascol. “The men—including young men & teenagers—have worked tirelessly to serve the church body & neighbors in our community to help board up and provide supplies.”
