“Our church elders, & especially our deacons, have done all they can to make sure that no one has immediate needs that have gone unmet,” Ascol shared. “Watching this has warmed my heart & reminded me of how incredibly blessed I am to be in such a loving, Christ-honoring church.”
While “many of the members of Grace Baptist Church have evacuated,” Ascol said that “most are staying,” a decision he views as “a matter of liberty and wisdom. I am confident that each family & individual has prayerfully made the best decision they can, given their own peculiar situations.”
Ascol had to cancel plans to attend a Bible conference and said that his church has canceled all weekly events. However, like West Bradenton Baptist, Grace Baptist plans to meet for Sunday worship on Oct. 13.
“Donna & I have decided to ride the storm out in our home,” said Ascol. “We are watching the track of the storm carefully, & are fully confident that our Lord is directing its path with meticulous sovereignty & eternal love.”
The pastor asked for prayers for “those who will suffer because of the storm. Pray for God’s people to remember His promises & great love for us that have been so clearly displayed in the life, death, & resurrection of His Son.”
“We have no reason to doubt His goodness, wisdom, or power,” Ascol said as his post concluded. “And we will have many opportunities to show others that knowing Jesus is far more valuable than safety, houses, possessions, or life itself.”
He finished his thoughts by quoting from the hymn, “Be Still My Soul.”
Pastor Rich Villodas, who leads New Life Fellowship in Queens, New York, posted a photo of people helping his parents in Tampa. “My parents’ neighbors are helping them board up their home in Tampa,” he said. “Grateful for good neighbors. Keep the west coast of Florida in your prayers.”
Pastor Desmond Barrett of Winter Haven Nazarene in Winter Haven, Florida, requested prayer for his church. On Facebook, he told his congregation, “We will make it! Knees down and chin up. We will make it through this storm. Make a plan, and prepare now. The next set of hours will be challenging, but we will make it through this challenge.” The church plans to host normal Sunday services this weekend if possible.
Willy Rice, pastor of Calvary Church in Clearwater, Florida, said Wednesday morning, “Thank [you] for all the expressions of concern and prayer. We’re bracing for a tough 18 hour run here. We’ll post reports as we’re able.”
“Some are starting to arrive at our Clearwater campus for shelter. It’s rainy and messy right now but the wind hasn’t yet picked up,” he continued. “We expect the wind to increase this afternoon. Grateful for all those of you who have reached out. We expect to lose power this evening as Milton comes ashore. God is good. We’ll trust Him and serve His purpose even in the storm. God bless.”
