St. Augustine Update

Greetings All!

I haven't written an update in a long time and thought that a report after Hurricane Matthew might be in order.  We are very busy here in St. Augustine after the storm.  The Island is abuzz with cleanup.  Our home church here, Anastasia Baptist Church is very involved in "St. Augustine Rebuild."  They are joining teams from around the country in working to get things back in order.  It is very encouraging to see the Body of Christ involved, as it should be, in the works of Jesus in caring for those in need.

I had gallbladder surgery on Wednesday morning at 9:30, October 5 and we were ordered to evacuate Anastasia Island that afternoon!  It was one of those times when you grab what you can and wonder "what will be here when you return?"  I don't remember much about it but Teresa loaded me up in the car and drove me to Tony and Barbara Kurtz's home in Lake City, Florida.  We spent three nights there before returning.  As we drove home we remarked that it had been like a vacation with friends!  We were cared for like family by Tony and Barbara.  We had to navigate our way home, keeping tabs on which bridges were open and which ones were closed.  We arrived after the major rush to come back to the island.  When we arrived home, other than a few palm fronds in the street, everything looked normal.  There is a lagoon about 20 feet from our back door so I had more than a few thoughts about that.  We live on the first floor.  Everything was normal!  Then the news began to come in about the rest of the First Coast.  Many lost something and some lost their homes and all their possessions.  We didn't hear of anyone who lost their life here in our area.  Everyone realized that we were so blessed!  Later after looking closely at the track of the storm the track took the storm to the East, away from the coast right at the center of Anastasia Island.  Teresa had been praying for the Lord to take His Hand and push the storm to the east!  It's always hard to understand why some lose nothing and some lose all!  Yet, we are grateful to God for His mercy in sparing lives.

Ministry has been picking back up of late.  We ministered at New Life in Saginaw, Michigan in September and at Christian Heritage in Lake City, Florida in early October.  Thank you for your love, prayers, concern and support through the years.  May the Lord continue to use us as He sees fit and May his rich blessing follow you!

Love and Blessings!
L. A.