Disaster strengthens faith

(COFFEYVILLE, Kansas)The Bible Baptist Church congregation in Coffeyville still hasn't been able to return to their church. But the church members say the flood has only made them stronger. Right now there’s a new place of worship for the Bible Baptist Church congregation.Their church building was badly damaged by massive flooding. One church member says, "I didn't know what to think…I cried." It’s a pain that has now turned into strength for not only this congregation but their community as well. Olivia Berry says, “I feel like the lord is leading. People come together I think get stronger, more faith in the lord." Now they're worshipping in the former First National Bank in downtown Coffeyville."A bank building has been made a church building and it's made us stronger,” one member says. Other members of Bible Baptist Church say their old church building is just that a building. "The building doesn't change anything... you still get the same message and God still speaks to you the same way,” they say. Pastor Daniel Knight is not only dealing with his church being affected by flooding his home was also badly damaged. "We feel like instead of it being a crisis, we feel like this is an opportunity to be an example to other Christians and those in the community who do not know the lord,” Knight says. Knight says homes, churches and clothes can all be replaced. But the faith and willingness to rebuild makes a community strong and able to deal with any disaster.The church as also serves as a hope center giving away bottled water and food for anyone in need. Pastor Knight says he doesn't believe they will be able to salvage their old church building, but they will be holding their services at the former bank for the remainder of the month. The owner of the building has been gracious enough to rent out the building for just $1.50.The Coffeyville area affected by flooding has been declared a federal disaster area meaning it will be eligible for financial assistance from FEMA. It’s still not clear at what time if or when neighbors will be allowed back in their homes.
http://www.fox23.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=98ef8779-5385-4340-9749-67d653ff82ae&rss=77
As in the days of Noah...