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“At Least Two Blessings”
We are blessed. First and foremost, we are blessed because we are still here. And second, we are blessed because God cares deeply for all of us.
We just pulled through back-to-back major Hurricanes, something that hasn’t occurred in Florida in a very long time. It’s not that we never expected it. I think it goes without saying that we’ve chosen a life in the tropics and we recognize that a life near the ocean comes with risks. For many years we’ve escaped the risks but 2024 has proven to be brutal.
However, we are still blessed. We are blessed because we still have life in our lungs and God is still trying to encourage us and bless us because God cares.
These Two Blessings are important to remember as often as we possibly can, especially during the clean-up phase, when strength is gone, patience is thin, and the sun is still unusually hot. It's important to remember that God is still trying to pour out an endless supply of blessings.
At the Chapel, we know we are blessed because these last two storms could have easily swept away one of the most historic buildings on Longboat Key. The Chapel, founded in 1956, is one of the few original buildings and organizations still in place on LBK. During all of that time, we have never sustained this kind of Hurricane drama. And, unlike plenty of other buildings on the island, we are already up and running again.
We still need lots of help, which includes both volunteers and professional contractors. We are in the process of talking to several contractors regarding a number of inside and outside projects in addition to our current construction and remodeling project.
At this point, cleaning and drying is the most urgent need. The second is tending to some lost roofing tiles. After that, our focus will shift to our grounds, gardens, and utilities. All this requires some professional contractor work, but there’s still plenty we can do. So, if you’re in the area of LBK and would like to volunteer a little, feel free to come to the Chapel beginning Wednesday, October 16, at any time! You can work inside or outside. You don’t need any instructions.
If you wish to work inside, the main area in the Chapel building that needs help is the kitchen. We did not have time to thoroughly clean it before the second Hurricane arrived. If you wish to work outside, there’s plenty of need. Just pick up trash and make a pile somewhere and those of us with trucks will come by and move it to the front curb. (The Town of LBK is still conducting regular collections of trash and debris left alongside Gulf of Mexico Drive.) If you’d like to volunteer in the Lord’s Warehouse, you are free to come anytime during business hours (Mon – Thurs, 9 am to 3 pm) and one of the warehouse managers will show you where they need help most. If additional storms were to arise, we’d suspend our cleanup and then get through those storms as well!
We. Can. Do This.” God is already blessing the Chapel family with lots of prayers, love, and support. Of course, if you happen to be one of our many out-of-towners who are not currently living on the Key, we would certainly appreciate any financial contribution towards our clean-up efforts. Your physical labor would be great, but if we can’t have that the additional donations will go a long way to help pick up some of the slack.
Bible Study this week will only meet online but worship on Sunday will meet live in Shook Fellowship Hall. We will also be streaming on our regular network next week, so make sure to join us via the website, Facebook, or Boxcast if you are unable to be here in person!
Stay healthy. Stay safe. I’ll see you on Sunday, in person and online!
God Bless, Brock.
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