FLORIDA GULF COAST (BP) — As Hurricane Milton makes its approach to the western coast here, many Florida Baptist pastors are choosing to remain in place.
In a video posted yesterday, Oct. 8, Pastor Willy Rice of Calvary Church in Clearwater encouraged those capable of doing so to evacuate.
“If you can go, go,” said Rice, seated next to Kennon Wiley, lead pastor of connections and director of guest services.
The next safest place to be, he added, is an official evacuation shelter, which are set up with cots and can accommodate those with pets or special needs.
Calvary is making its Clearwater and East Lake campuses available for those seeking somewhere “a little bit bigger and stronger” than a house. It will not be a shelter in an “official” capacity, though, meaning services offered at those would not be available.
“For those who feel safe at our building, we’re certainly going to do everything we can do to help,” said Rice, but adding that individuals would need to provide their own bedding and food.
Plan “like you’re going on a camping trip,” minus the stoves, he said.
Both locations opened at 9 a.m. today but have no generator. Those sheltering should expect to lose power and are encouraged to bring extra batteries and charge their phones beforehand.
Sam Rainer, pastor of West Bradenton Baptist Church, is staying alongside several church members and staff, he wrote on X.
“West Bradenton has teams ready to help as soon as the storm passes,” he said. “Some are trained in disaster relief. Others are first responders. And others are skilled tradesmen.”
He encouraged others to give monetarily toward recovery efforts as well as physically join in the cleanup and recovery effort to follow.
“We won’t stop until the work is done – except for church on Sunday,” said Rainer. “West Bradenton family, rain or shine, power or no power, we’re gathering this Sunday. I’ll see you there.”
Tom Ascol said his church, Grace Baptist in Cape Coral, is planning to gather for worship this Sunday as well.
“Many of the members of Grace Baptist Church have evacuated. Most are staying. That kind of momentous decision is a matter of liberty and wisdom,” he said. “I am confident that each family and individual has prayerfully made the best decision they can, given their own peculiar situations.”
Grace consists of already-deployed first responders alongside those who have helped neighbors board up their homes, provided supplies and otherwise met as many needs as possible beforehand.
“Please pray for those who will suffer because of the storm,” said Ascol. “Pray for God’s people to remember His promises and great love for us that have been so clearly displayed in the life, death and resurrection of His Son for us. We have no reason to doubt His goodness, wisdom or power. And we will have many opportunities to show others that knowing Jesus is far more valuable than safety, houses, possessions or life itself.”
Southern Baptist Disaster Relief and Send Relief are monitoring the situation and preparing to move in while simultaneously continuing the response to Hurricane Helene, said a North American Mission Board spokesman.
In a video Wednesday morning, Florida Baptist Convention Executive Director-Treasurer Stephen Rummage said, “You’re not alone in this. Your Florida Baptist family is here for you. We’re praying for you, standing with you and ready to offer support in any way we can.”
Florida Baptist Convention officials said as many as 673 Florida Baptist churches can expect tropical storm-force winds from Milton.
In his comments, Rice encouraged others to put their trust in the Lord during a “stressful, anxious time.”
“Know that we’re praying for you,” he said. “… We’ll see you on the other side of the storm.”
