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Proclaiming Victory Over Natural
Disaster
Saturday, January 23,
2010
 As
I surveyed the rubble and devastation last May (2009),
I thought it was hopeless to even begin to rebuild.
The County of Wyoming was totally ravaged by the "100
year flood" that struck the region. In midst of
this turmoil sat a Free Will Baptist Church with only
dreams of ever being useful again. To the dismay
of Hanover Free Will Baptist, FEMA does not help churches.
Another devastating blow was when they realized
their insurance did not
cover flood damage. As stated by Penny Lester, Clerk
of Hanover Church, "feeling hopeless, we reminded
ourselves that God does not put on us
more than we can bear. We don’t know where to start, but we
realize we need to rebuild this church in this community,
because it truly needs God." The Hanover Church
contacted the WV State Association and we began to
issue notices to other Free Will Baptist Churches to
begin a relief work in Hanover. Upon visiting
the church and evaluating their needs, we started to
see donations in the form of money, sound equipment,
and building supplies beginning to role in. Over
the course of the year, the Hanover Church hosted
workgroups that helped in rebuilding efforts.
But the truth of the matter is that the hard work and
sleepless nights came from the long hours and
far-reaching efforts of the Hanover Church members
themselves.
Almost a year later,
Sister Penny contacted me to help install their sound
equipment. On Saturday afternoon, January 23,
2010, I set out on the 2-hour trek from Beckley with
my pastor, Doug Burdette, and friend, Len Thompson.
Our conversation was full of anticipating questions
like "Wonder what their church looks like now that
they have remodeled?" "It sure was a mess last
year after the flood nearly washed them away."
My last memories of the church was total devastation
with mud and water stains on the walls in the
sanctuary nearly 5 feet from the floor.
As we finally arrived, the
first thing we noticed was a newly graveled parking
lot. Last year, the parking area was covered in
several inches of mud. As we walked upon the
front porch we couldn't help but notice a very
pleasant aroma. Last year, the entire atmosphere
was full of the foul smell of mildew. Today, it
smells like the fresh mountain-air that all West
Virginians appreciate. With Sister Penny's
special touch of spiced-apple candles, the church was
very inviting. As we walked into the sanctuary
we couldn't believe our eyes. I was shocked at
the miraculous transformation. What nature had
torn apart, God has restored one-hundred fold.
New carpet, dry-wall (with clean, white paint!), and a
very special palm tree decor. Sister Penny said
she recently learned that palm branches are a symbol
of VICTORY. Through Jesus Christ, the Hanover
Church is claiming victory over natural disaster.
Although they are still working on the kitchenette,
the newly remodeled fellowship hall is very spacious
and modern. They even built a Pastor's Study in
a quiet area off from the fellowship hall.
After visiting several
hours and installing the sound system, it was time to
say goodbye. I was so blessed from this visit.
I learned a very valuable lesson...There is strength
in numbers. We accomplish great things when we
come together in unity. Don't ever give up -
even in the darkest hour, there is still hope.
Please take a moment to look at the before and after
photos which are listed below.
May God bless you,
Jeff Bennett
Website Administrator
WV State Association of
Free Will Baptists
jeffb98@aol.com
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