As of 5:00 p.m. EST, no loss of life, injury, or catastrophic property damage among the Alliance family in Florida have been reported. It is important to note, however, that not all communications have been restored and no official assessments have been made of damage to Alliance church or resident properties. But in most areas, power and communications have been restored, for which we can praise our watchful Father.
Residents from both the Shell Point Retirement Community in Ft. Myers and the Alliance Community for Retirement Living in Deland seem to be safe and well cared for (although, at the time of this post, the brunt of Irma had not yet reached Ft. Myers). A post on the Shell Point Website at 10:26 a.m. read,
The two hurricane shelters are both in full operation. Breakfast was served this morning at 7 am. Bottles of water and juice as well as prepackaged snacks have been distributed. Routine medical care is being provided in both locations by several physicians and nurse practitioners as well as support staff. Dining services has provided meals and will continue to do so. Both shelters still have electrical power.
Given the breadth and intensity of this megastorm, Alliance congregations in Florida will have much to do as they work to restore some of their own properties and assist others in their communities. Information on how the broader Alliance community can pitch in to help will be made available once assessments have been made.
Ongoing help is still needed in the Houston area. Anyone wishing to volunteer can visit the CAMA Services Website.
As assessments to Alliance loss in Florida and throughout the path of Irma are made, they will be posted on this page and communicated through social media. Meanwhile, please continue to pray:
- That Irma will quickly lose intensity and disappear
- For those who may still be in danger
- For those who are displaced or whose homes have been flooded or damaged
- For a strong Alliance family response in demonstrating Christ’s love to those who have suffered loss