|
David Harding and I have just returned from an
assessment trip to South Florida. What we have
found is that beyond “minor inconveniences”
Miami and Homestead areas are doing okay. No electricity
in many areas projected until November 15th or
later becomes “major inconveniences.”
The biggest problem as reported on the news is
the long lines at gasoline stations. Gasoline
is in the tanks, but without electricity, the
stations cannot pump. So, those whose electricity
has been restored, become a magnet for everyone
needing gasoline to power generators.
We took 60 gallons of gasoline with us and along
with Pastor David Gasperson of Sherbrooke Baptist
Church in Lake Worth, gave this small amount to
some of the most needing families in his congregation—elderly
who need generator to power the oxygen, a lawn
service business owner to keep his business going,
etc. Quickly, the 60 gallons were given away.
One lady offered to pay for the gasoline. We thanked
her, but told her that it was a gift from donations
of CBF Florida folks and the ministry of Sherbrooke
Baptist Church.
I had contacted one of our team members who began
to work on a plan to shuttle gasoline to the area.
We found several obstacles. One is that without
HazMat permits, no one can transport more than
140 gallons of fuel. The second, more obvious
obstacle was that distributing the gasoline would
be such a hardship on the church and would create
an almost chaotic atmosphere bordering on riotous
attitudes. So we suspended that possibility.
We met with Jason Pittman at Touching Miami with
Love. The TML building and its surrounding neighborhood
is without power, too. What Jason feels will be
the biggest needs will be evident beginning next
week, when the neighbors who have not been allowed
to work, will not have paychecks to take care
of basic needs. So, one big need will be to provide
a supply of non-perishable foods.
I have also been in contact with FBC Ft. Myers.
For the most part, Ft. Myers is okay. However,
their biggest concerns are for their three mission
churches in areas that were hit harshly—Everglades
City, Immokalee, and Goodland. The staff at FBC
Ft. Myers is still attempting to make contacts
in that area. By the first of next week we hope
to have heard what needs, if any, they may have.
So, what can we/you do? Begin to collect non-perishable
foods. Large quantities, like those you can buy
at Sam’s or Costco. Diapers, baby formula
and food. Toilet paper and personal hygiene items.
Collect, pool together and develop a plan to deliver
once the “call goes out.” We do not
know whether these items will be needed in Miami
or Southwest Florida. So, please, DO NOT send
without a plan. At TML, Jason has ideas about
how to distribute that will be effective and efficient
for that area. WAIT for more word before dispatching
supplies.
Will there be needs for volunteers? Yes. But,
we will not know, perhaps, about those needs until
first of the week as well. Some may be needed
to help with receiving and distributing the donations.
Some may help with debris removal, temporary weatherproofing
and mudouts. But, we do not know for sure yet.
And, oh yes—NO CLOTHES!!!!!
If you have specific questions or requests, please
call me on my cell phone listed below. If you
have a team/group/volunteers and/or supplies ready
to dispatch, call me for coordination.
Thank you, as always for your willingness, readiness
and patience and understanding in needing to coordinate
this properly.
Please email Tommy Deal at: tdeal@floridacbf.org
or call him at 888-241-2233 or his cell phone
407-694-2119.
|
