ARCADIA, Fla. — Homes were destroyed in Fort Myers, Fl., which was damaged by Hurricane Charley. [Nikon D100, Sigma 18-125mm, ISO 200, ƒ/4, 1/4000]
Trials and Temptations 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
James 1:2-5
While Hurricane Charlie or Irma may not have impacted you, you will face trials. Each of us will have a time when some test of our faith will be challenged.
I think seeing these disasters these past few weeks and watching the news gives everyone hope when you see people helping each other. That is what is lifting everyone’s spirits.
16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Hebrews 13:16
It is incredible that when you help others attain their goals and aspirations, you will often find that you met your desires. However, if you concentrate on meeting your own goals and not helping others, you seldom will achieve those goals.
Thirteen years ago, I covered both Hurricanes Charley and Ivan. Both went through Florida. Hurricane Irma had me remembering my coverage.
ARCADIA, Fla. — The winds of Hurricane Charley blew over this tractor trailer. [Nikon D100, Sigma 18-125mm, ISO 200, ƒ/8, 1/800]
Seeing up close trucks and trains blown over gave me a first-hand look at the power of the winds from these hurricanes.
ARCADIA, Fla. — Blown off the tracks near Fort Myers, Fl., which was damaged by Hurricane Charley. This was when I learned that all the freight cars sit on the wheels so that if there is a derailment, they can easily pick them back up and put them on the tracks with a crane. [Nikon D100, Sigma 18-125mm, ISO 200, ƒ/8, 1/640]
The other thing I saw firsthand was the destruction of the tornadoes, which are often part of the hurricane.
Atmore, Al.–First Baptist Atmore, Al., steeple lays beside the sanctuary after being blown off by hurricane Ivan and in the background are Southern Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers preparing meals for the community. They are part of an estimated 800 Southern Baptist volunteers assisting Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and West Virginia in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan with services that include mass feeding, cleanup and recovery, shower trailers, and child care, laundry, and communication. This effort comes on the heels of Southern Baptists, who have prepared more than one million meals in Florida following Hurricanes Charley and Frances. [Nikon D100, Sigma 18-125mm, ISO 200, ƒ/4, 1/4000]
My job was to capture all the volunteers in the aftermath of the storms, serving meals, cleaning up, and supporting the people affected by the hurricanes.
ARCADIA, Fla. — Southern Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers from First Baptist Church of Wetumpka, Al., clear the trees which had fallen on a home in Arcadia, Fl. which was damaged by Hurricane Charley. They are part of an estimated 500 Southern Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers now working in Florida, providing mass feeding, cleanup, and shower services. [Nikon D100, Sigma 18-125mm, ISO 200, ƒ/5.6, 1/500]
I would go with the volunteers with chain saws to help people clear the debris around their homes and driveways.
WAUCHULA, Fla. — Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Georgia volunteers set up a feeding station at 1st Baptist Wauchula, Fl. to help with the damage left by Hurricane Charley. They are three of an estimated 750 Southern Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers now working in Florida, providing mass feeding, cleanup, and shower services. [Nikon D100, Sigma 18-125mm, ISO 200, ƒ/9.5, 1/400]
One of the biggest things the Baptists do after the storms is set up feeding stations where the Red Cross would then pick up those meals and deliver them to the victims, the law enforcement working, and t0 other volunteers.
WAUCHULA, Fla. — Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Georgia volunteers set up a feeding station, showers, and water purification at 1st Baptist Wauchula, Fl., to help with the damage left by Hurricane Charley. They are three of an estimated 750 Southern Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers now working in Florida, providing mass feeding, cleanup, and shower services. [Nikon D100, Sigma 18-125mm, ISO 200, ƒ/9.5, 1/640]
I have covered so many hurricanes and tornadoes through the years and each time the volunteers show up and help each other in cleaning up and getting back to the new normal.
After the Moore, Oklahoma, tornado disaster, people are finding what they can. [Nikon D4, 28-300mm, ISO 200, ƒ/5.6, 1/500]
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
