By VERNA BROCK
Not many words come to mind to describe both the sense of relief and horror in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s onslaught. At this moment, the death toll continues to climb, as over a thousand people are unaccounted for. The damages are estimated in the tens, if not hundreds, of billions of dollars across at least four states.
I suspect every reader has someone who is reeling in this disaster. For some, this is the second or third round of destruction. We’re all eying what’s brewing in the gulf with trepidation, wondering what new agonies await.
All we can do is assist those who have been impacted, pray for everyone, and plan for what might be coming. I’ve heard a lot of folks complaining about the “false alarm” of Helene, but we need to count ourselves among the highly favored. The devastation just one county East of us is sobering to say the least. It can, and may, be us next time.
Among the prayers we lift for the survivors of Helene, let us continue to pray for the family of Brett Nicholson, Molly Claire Stephens awaiting a liver transplant, Isabelle Hernandez as she recovers from surgery, baby Sophia as she continues to recover from open heart surgery and a blood disorder, Wayne Pharis as he fights cancer, Becky perkins, Faye Sweeney, the Moxley family Rev. Tommy Jones, diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Sue Beard, and Marjorie Harper with serious health issues.
There are over 46,000 linemen who have stepped up across the Southeast to help all of us recover as quickly as possible. Add to that, all the first responders…deputies, policemen, EMTs paramedics, and volunteers…All these heros need our prayers as well as our gratitude.
Remember, next Sunday is Homecoming at the Wakulla United Methodist Church. Services begin at 10:00 am, followed by a delicious covered dish dinner. Everyone is welcome to celebrate 180 years of our congregation’s existence in Wakulla. Hope to see you there!
There will be a mullet fish fry luncheon at the Woodville United Methodist Church on Saturday, October, 12th. Be sure to pencil the date in if you love hot, fresh mullet. Dinner will come with all the fixins! The next day (10-13) will be Second Sunday Sing at 6:00 pm, followed by a free fellowship dinner. Lots of great food and fellowship that weekend!
