Hurricane Idalia Initial Response Update

Dear Florida District Pastors,

Over the last twenty-four hours, our state has been hit by another devasting storm, Hurricane Idalia. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by this storm in Florida and beyond. I wanted to summarize the initial damage reports from our presbyters and pastors in the hardest-hit areas. 

I have personally been in contact with all the presbyters (Bro Campbell – Section 2, Bro Sims – Section 3, Bro Varnum – Section 4, Bro Thompson – Section 5, Bro Wells – Section 6, Bro Davy – Section 8, and Bro Eason – Section 9), and many of the pastors in the most affected areas. Though there is much loss and destruction, it is clear to me that the hand of God was upon us all during this time. These are the pastors of the UPCI churches in the hardest hit areas: Pastor James Erby of Perry, Pastor John Johns of Perry, Pastor Wayne Smoot of Crystal River, and Pastor Dustin Bell of Live Oak. 

Reach Out America (ROA) is sending a semi-truck load of supplies to Pastor Erby’s church in Perry early next week. His church will serve as a “Distribution Supply Site” for area churches and the community. Once this shipment has arrived, I will have the Sectional Presbyter communicate with other area pastors when they can pick up supplies. Additionally, we have two 26’  box trucks of supplies arriving sometime this Friday afternoon at Pastor Johns’ church in Perry and Pastor Bell’s church in Live Oak. Once these arrive, area pastors will be notified, and they can come and pick up supplies for their churches and communities. 

Pastor Robert Tisdale of Tampa Life has a chainsaw crew going to Pastor Johns in Perry this Saturday. Brother Greg Sims is leading this work crew. Additionally, another chainsaw crew from Alabama is going to Pastor Bell’s in Live Oak on Friday to assist his congregation. This is just a snapshot of the initial efforts the great people of God are making during this time. As the days pass, other needs will become apparent, but we trust God will provide. If you or another pastor has a Hurricane Idalia need within their church or family, please encourage them to contact me directly, and we will do our best to assist them. 

Let me leave you with this testimony from Pastor Wayne Smoot in Crystal River; he told me on the phone last evening that the entire City of Crystal River was underwater, except THE CHURCH. The water stopped two blocks from the church. He declared, “God protected His church, and we never even lost power,” Praise God!

In His Service,
Daniel E. Dagan
Florida District UPCI Disaster Relief Coordinator 
Cell 941-276-7178