|
“Elevator Down. Thumbs Up!”
A little over two years ago, the Chapel facilities were completely flooded by seawater resulting from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Before the first storm (Helene) hit, we sent the elevator to the top floor, barricaded our exterior doors with sandbags, and battened down the hatches. Our efforts proved pointless as the rushing waters paid no attention to our preparations.
The elevator well (a large, six-foot-deep hole beneath the elevator) filled with water, completely destroying the electronics and controls that make the elevator work. So, for the last two years, our Chapel elevator has not moved from the top floor.
After pumping out the water and receiving multiple bids exceeding $150,000 to repair the elevator, we had no choice but to put things on the back burner. We had no insurance. No government assistance. Like so many others in our community, savings were our only source of assistance. We worked tirelessly, and God graciously supplied what was needed.
The Chapel facilities are beautiful now. We're still working diligently on our Gardens, but other than that, a visitor would never know anything had happened. Unless, of course, they tried to use the elevator.
Earlier this year, we received some hope that we might receive municipal assistance to repair our elevator. Unfortunately, that option fell away.
Then, through tireless efforts, two Chapel friends, Barbara Koetsier and Rev. Kim Munns Johnson, independently began researching assistance programs for churches impacted by disasters, each unaware of the other's work.
Their research uncovered a special opportunity that might fit the Chapel's situation: the Intervention Fund, which supports stewards of historic sacred places with building repairs and recovery following unexpected emergencies.
The Intervention Fund is an emergency grant program under the umbrella of the National Fund for Sacred Places, a program of Partners for Sacred Places in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
And here's the exciting news: The Chapel has been approved to receive $100,000 toward the repair of our elevator!
Can I get a “WOOHOO!?”
Through continued research and conversations with elevator vendors, we've determined that the total repair cost should be approximately $145,000, including additional construction expenses. The Intervention Fund's approval has allowed us to move forward with the repairs, which should take approximately four to six months.
Sometimes I wonder where God is, especially during moments of exhaustion, fear, pain, and frustration. I have to remind myself that God is especially present during those moments. And if I give up, I might miss what God is preparing to do.
That's why we keep going. That's why we don't give up. There's always hope.
Please take a few moments to visit the websites of our funding partners. I've been working with these folks for the last several months, and they are wonderful people who are genuinely excited about helping the Chapel.
Just as we're receiving a much-needed shot in the arm, they're becoming part of a project that will make a lasting difference in the Longboat Key community. We're going to make them proud to be our partners!
National Fund for Sacred Places
https://www.fundforsacredplaces.org/
Partners for Sacred Places
http://sacredplaces.org/our-services/grant-opportunities/
National Trust for Historic Preservation
http:/savingplaces.org/national-fund-for-sacred-places
Finally, after two years, the Chapel elevator will safely descend to the first floor again!
I didn't do it. Neither did Barbara nor Rev. Kim. God did it.
You. Me. All of us have played a part by inviting God to lead each of us and our Chapel family. We were prepared when God opened the door.
I love my Chapel family. I hope you do, too.
God Bless, Brock
| 
