Hurrican Ivan has recently torn through the southeastern United States, and while millions of people felt his wrath, the citizens of Pensacola, FL, and the surrounding towns, felt his full brunt as he came ashore. Every building in Naval Station Pensacola was damaged, with some completely gone. The bridge on interstate ten sank into Escambia Bay. Houses both along the coast and miles inland were demolished.

Many in Pensacola and the surrounding towns lost everything. Not just those right on the water, but people with houses miles inland, had homes completely leveled. Some people who did not qualify for flood insurance had their homes flooded out. Others are left desolate by Ivan. One family had their house fall down on top of them while they were sleeping. Miraculously, all survived. Another family was denied flood insurance over a year ago, only to have their home flooded by Ivan. Many other are in situation where they are completely helpless to circumstances.

James tells us, "Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?" (James 2:15-16). Right now many of our brothers and sisters are without food and shelter, some only posess the clothes on their back. We feel a responsibility and a need to provide assistance in any way we can.

To assist these people, and others who have like needs, Coast Community Church has set up a relief fund. Procedes from the Hurrican Ivan Relief Fund will go to those individual who have nothing left. Those individuals who lost everything, or who have damage that insurance companies either do not or will not cover. One Body Ministries is holding a special fund drive and requesting your donations to help fellow members of our one body provide assistance to those in need. All the donations we receive from now through 30 September will go to help our brothers and sisters in need.