By Javier Márquez
Hurricane Milton’s passage through Florida left a trail of destruction, but it also became a moment of strength and hope for the Hispanic churches of the Mosaic Conference. The pastors of these communities experienced uncertainty, yet their stories reveal unwavering faith and a supportive network that kept them steadfast through the storm.
Preparations and Protection
Pastors Secundino Casas and Haroldo Núñez, along with other conference leaders, shared their experiences of preparing for Hurricane Milton. Pastor Casas recounted how, despite having time to prepare, they focused on gathering essential supplies like water, canned food, and gas. They also boarded up windows to protect their homes from strong winds.
“The first thing we did was entrust ourselves to God in prayer, and then we took shelter in a place we considered safe,” he said. This initial act of prayer was a shared response among pastors, who saw faith as an additional layer of protection.
Pastor Núñez added that their preparation included practical measures such as securing windows and doors and having a generator ready for days without electricity. They closely monitored weather reports to stay informed about the storm’s progression and evacuation needs.
“Staying calm was key. We knew what was coming but didn’t let ourselves panic,” Pastor Núñez emphasized.
The Storm: Faith and Resilience Amid the Crisis
As Hurricane Milton hit, the pastors faced uncertainty with trust in God. Despite calls from concerned family and friends, the community remained united in faith.
“We trusted that God would take care of us,” said Pastor Núñez. This calmness was vital during moments of difficulty, especially when communication and electricity were lost.
However, emotions were mixed. While their faith remained steadfast, conflicting feelings arose. Pastor Casas expressed that, on one hand, he fully trusted in God’s protection, yet on the other, he felt some guilt for not leaving Florida before the storm, particularly as he saw fear in his daughters’ eyes.
“Although my faith stayed strong, I felt helpless and guilty seeing the fear in my daughters,” he shared.
Community as a Pillar: Mutual Support During the Storm
The church and local community played a crucial role during and after the storm. Pastor Núñez highlighted the support from church leaders who sent encouraging messages and the active involvement of neighbors in Ellenton.
“The greatest support came from our neighbors. Everyone was helping each other,” he noted.
Despite material damages, including fallen trees, destroyed fences, and damaged roofs, the unity and faith within the community stood out. Pastor Casas described the strength of the faith community:
“Shalom is a very close-knit community, and in situations like this—good or bad—we always come together.”
This unity was evident in the mutual support shared throughout the emergency.
Aftermath: Damage, Challenges, and Hope for Recovery
After the hurricane passed, the damages were significant, but thankfully, there were no fatalities.
“The hurricane struck around 9 p.m., and although the 100 mph winds caused some damage, there were no fatalities,” Pastor Núñez reported. Fallen trees and twisted fences were the most visible damages, but the community quickly began repairs.
Pastor Casas faced flooding on his property and the loss of several trees.
“It was devastating to see the destruction, but at the same time, we knew God had spared our lives,” he expressed with gratitude.
Despite the material losses, the community remained resilient, driven by faith.
An Unyielding Inspiration: Trust in God’s Promises
Throughout the hurricane, both pastors found inspiration and comfort in Scripture. Pastor Núñez recalled Psalm 27:1, which gave them peace and hope:
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?”
Pastor Casas leaned on the promise of Matthew 28:20, reminding them that God is always with them, even in the most challenging circumstances.
A Testament of Faith, Unity, and Strength
The pastors’ and their communities’ response to Hurricane Milton stands as a testament to faith, unity, and resilience. Despite the damages and fears, their hope in God and mutual support were the pillars that sustained them through the storm.
This experience not only strengthened the local church but also highlighted the power of community during times of crisis.
The opinions expressed in articles posted on Mosaic’s website are those of the author and may not reflect the official policy of Mosaic Conference. Mosaic is a large conference, crossing ethnicities, geographies, generations, theologies, and politics. Each person can only speak for themselves; no one can represent “the conference.” May God give us the grace to hear what the Spirit is speaking to us through people with whom we disagree and the humility and courage to love one another even when those disagreements can’t be bridged.
This post is also available in: Español (Spanish)
This post is also available in: Español (Spanish)