November 2, 2005

On Monday, October 24, Hurricane Wilma hit Tropical Florida Presbytery. It was devastating with trees everywhere. Power lines were down. Power, phones, and water pressure were affected throughout the region. There have been boil water orders as well as curfews (initially beginning at 7:00 p.m. and ending at 8:00 a.m.) in the various municipalities. Those who had not filled their gas tanks had to wait in lines that were three and four miles long.

Once the fierce winds had stopped and one was able to go outdoors, the damage was apparent in all directions. Wilma had really taken a toll on South Florida. Most people were confined to their homes due to power outages and no gas. Many are still without power and phones.

We are aware of fifteen of our churches that have significant damage. Some lost stained glass windows and suffered roof damage. Most had downed trees everywhere. Churches that have sustained damage are urged to contact the Presbytery. We are still trying to contact those churches that still do not have power and phones. Many of the pastors suffered damage to their residences.

The fifteen churches affected are:

1. Calvary — has some structural damage, roof damage and lost stained glass window.
2. Ascension Peace — portico destroyed, breezeway destroyed, roof damage.
3. Sunset — roof damage, sanctuary doors blew open, doors leading to Narthex blown off, the big stained glass window is completely gone. Rain and wind came in the sanctuary. The fellowship hall has many broken windows. The sign for the memorial garden was blown over and broken to pieces.
4. Second Ft. Lauderdale — Stained glass windows on both sides of the sanctuary were blown into the pews, pulpit, piano and sanctuary floor. The pastor's office and the office next door to it were badly damaged when a window broke.
5. Alta Vista — Roof damage in excess of $100,000.
6. Community Clewiston — the church received some roof damage but more urgent is the community of migrant workers. There were 136 families whose mobile homes were condemned because of the storm. Many of the families were going around the neighborhood trying to find wood to fix them because they wanted to stay where they were despite the places being condemned. There is only one small shelter in Clewiston, and it is not large enough to house the many persons affected by the storm. The Clewiston church is gearing up to receive and distribute rice, beans, oil, water, and children's clothes.
7. Lakeside — roof damage in excess of $80,000.
8. Lauderdale by the Sea — roof damage.
9. Faith, Pembroke Pines — roof damage and other still being assessed..
10. Boynton Beach — roof damage and flooding.
11. Riveria — roof damage and flooding.
12. Miami Shores — damage to front of church.
13. Trinity/Key West — bell tower which has been an ongoing problem after each hurricane, received further damage. Eleven families lost their homes completely due to flooding. One lost their car.
14. First Miami — several windows blown out.
15. Peace Covenant/Key West — Roof damage, flooding.

The Disaster Task Group is continuing efforts to reach each of our churches to assess damage. The group met on Monday, October 31 to begin plans for helping churches and individuals get their lives back on track.

We will continue to provide updates as we receive additional information.

Let us continue to be in prayer for one another.