Within days of our last SC DR units leaving Florida as the Hurricane Ian response winds down, here we are watching Tropical Storm Nicole. Thankfully it will not come near the strength and intensity of Ian. However, because Ian left Florida with saturated ground, eroded beaches, and rivers still at- or just below- flood stage, the potential for damaging effects from Nicole is a strong possibility in some areas.

South Carolina’s participation in the Hurricane Ian response lasted 4 weeks. A few of our units served in Wauchula and one unit went to Venice, FL. Most of our units, however, served at the sites run by Alabama DR in Arcadia, FL. It was a great partnership to team up with Alabama DR – we’re grateful for their many volunteers and their leadership in running the site.

The number of units/teams deployed to Florida from SC were:
Mass feeding (residents) – 3
Site feeding (volunteers) – 4
Chainsaw/tarping – 12
Mud-out/spraying – 3

In addition to the physical help they give, our volunteers also provide spiritual and emotional care to disaster survivors. After Hurricane Ian, SC volunteers made nearly 700 ministry contacts – spiritual conversations, prayer, giving tracts or Bibles – with Florida residents. Three people accepted Christ as Savior as a result!

In the entire Hurricane Ian response, including DR teams from across the nation serving in 10 locations, 225 people have come to salvation. The work continues in four locations; three of them plan to close in mid- to late-November. The Daytona site, run by Oklahoma DR, will continue into December after shutting down temporarily while Nicole passes through.

We are grateful for the time and effort of our DR volunteers who go to serve, and for the prayers and financial support of South Carolina Baptists. This ministry is made possible by the giving of churches and individuals through the Cooperative Program and the Janie Chapman Offering for State Missions, and through donations to Disaster Relief efforts. We appreciate your continued support.