By Baptist Message staff
ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – Hours after Francine moved through the state, Louisiana Baptist Executive Director Steve Horn shared several prayer requests for those impacted and those Disaster Relief teams who be serving those in southeast Louisiana in the coming days.
“We are gathering information this morning regarding the places of greatest need,” Horn said in a statement to the Baptist Message. “While we are thankful that things are not as bad as they could be, we are aware of several churches that have been damaged. We already know that some churches that were impacted by Ida in 2021 are damaged again. We are especially heartbroken for these communities.
“While we continue to assess damage and gather information, please be in prayer for first responders,” he said. “Second, pray for those who are mobilizing to officially respond as part of SBC and LBC Disaster Relief teams.
“Finally, I would remind all Louisiana Baptists of what I read in Scripture this morning about the promised Messiah as recorded in Isaiah 9:7. ‘He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.’ We read this not as prophecy, but as fulfillment. He is Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, and the Prince of Peace. We need Him to be these to us. He promised He would, and He is.”
Francine formed into a tropical storm Monday morning and the following evening was upgraded to a hurricane. This is the first Atlantic storm since Ernesto on Aug. 20.
Early reports of damage to churches included Christ Baptist Church, Houma, which lost some of its roof due to high winds; and Celebration Church, Metairie, St. Rose Community Church, Family Church, Kenner, and GracePoint Church, Destrehan, which had some flooding inside their facilities.
“We’re praying for safety for people here in greater New Orleans,” Watson said on a video. “Thank you for those around the nation who are praying with us and praying for us.”
Dean Ross, pastor of Family Church NOLA, said they have insurance but likely not enough to receive much aid, as they are without wind, hail and flood coverage. However, Ross added, he is thankful for generous churches and individuals who have helped them with previous hurricanes.
He said despite the damage caused by Francine, he is thankful for a church family that is committed to sharing the Gospel in times of disaster.
“Pray for us to shine the light of Jesus in a dark situation,” he said. “Our people are resilient and ready to work. It’s what we do, loving God passionately and loving people personally.”
GracePoint Pastor Chris Housewright posted on his Facebook page that the church had a few water spots in its roof. “Please pray for our areas because many have flooded homes and significant damage,” he wrote. “Many are without power.”
