Florida Baptists aid wildfire victims

Courtesy photo

Central Baptist gave supplies to other relief organizations.

MELBOURNE (FBC)—Firefighters believe they have the upper hand in the wildfires scorching Brevard County last week, leading the County’s Emergency Operations Center to authorize the closing of the shelter located at Central Baptist Church in Melbourne, reported Fritz Wilson, Florida Baptists’ disaster relief director.

The church was designated as a shelter May 13 and fed 10-15 persons overnight. The church remained on standby in case the fires flared up and continued to serve throughout the week as a distribution center for donated food and supplies.

The decision to allow the church to serve the community in time of this disaster was a simple one, said Central Baptist Pastor Leroy Williams.

“We have to stand behind what we teach and put feet to our faith. Disaster relief is something we support,” said Williams. “It is a humbling opportunity to help those in need and makes you see what is truly important.”

Governor Charlie Crist declared a state of emergency in response to the fires Monday, May 12. According to the governor’s office, as of that time, 16,894 acres were burned from 82 wildfires.

Wilson coordinated the Convention’s response with Duke King, regional clean-up coordinator, who is on-site managing relief efforts and response.

Brevard Baptist Association had activated its disaster relief feeding volunteers and a shower unit which provided meals to persons and families in the shelter.

Volunteers from the American Red Cross and AmeriCorps were stationed at Central Baptist and working with Florida Baptists’ relief efforts, said Wilson who continued to monitor the situation and dispatched relief teams as necessary.