Kansas Church Recovering From Floods
By Bob Maggard, Church of God Administrative Bishop, Kansas
Many have heard news reports regarding the terrible flooding to parts of Kansas. At this time, it appears only one Church of God was damaged. The Fredonia Church of God sustained extensive damage to their sanctuary. This past Sunday, July 8, I visited the Fredonia church to encourage Pastor Rodney Lawler and the church, and personally assess recent flood damage to church property.
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Walls are having to be replaced throughout the church facility. |
The sanctuary building itself is in the process of being repaired, but survival of the fellowship/Sunday School facility, remains unsure. Our visit for morning service was also their first time to gather for worship since the flood. Though the waters had destroyed carpet, pews, drywall, piano, organ, pulpit, and altar, there was a wonderful spirit of worship and positive outlook expressed.
We are grateful for the swift assistance of Operation Compassion and the Executive Committee, sending an offering to assist in the urgent needs of the pastor and aid in the restoration of the sanctuary. However, estimates to replace the drywall and carpet are totaling $6,000.00-$7,000.00. This does not include replacement of chairs, and all other items that were destroyed, or the repair of the annex fellowship/Sunday School facility. We expect total costs to exceed $15,000.00. Pastor Lawler and his wife Dianne also sustained loss of most of their personal belongings that were in storage due to a recent move. In addition, Pastor Lawler lost a week’s work endeavoring to begin restoration work on the church and there was no flood insurance to cover the cost of replacement.
Please continue to offer prayers for the city of Fredonia and our church there during this difficult time
