…and ministers in midst of flood disaster
First Independent Baptist Church suffered major damage when Austin, TX, received more than a foot of rain overnight and into the early morning October 31. The church, pastored by Mike Marcellus, was partially submerged when Onion Creek reached its 100-year flood plain.
Marcellus, the church’s founder, was at the church waiting for the water to recede and to begin neighborhood relief efforts early in the day. Within hours, help began to flow from nearby churches, both in the form of manpower and funds, and First Baptist became the defacto disaster relief center.
Marcellus reported, “Home Depot, HEB (grocery stores), and other merchants have dropped off supplies. Private donations continue pouring in and we distribute items 24/7 as requested, or the neighbors come to the church for food, water, clothing, cleaning supplies, etc. We have also been acquiring dumpsters, contacting city and county officials, FEMA, and even the governor’s office. Our people, on top of working at the church, have been out in the community assisting and serving our neighbors. I’m so proud of our people.” He also said Travis County Sheriff Greg Hamilton pledged the support of his office for rebuilding and relief.
Many film crews and media people came through the area and Marcellus gave several interviews. He says, “Each one gave a positive report of our church and ministry. Even though we have had a solid relationship with most of our community, never before have our neighbors embraced our church so emphatically.” The church had witnessed to a next-door neighbor 25 years without a response, and the weekend after the flood she accepted Christ and united with the church. Marcellus is reporting other ministry successes in the wake of the disaster.
The church facilities themselves are heavily damaged, and the buildings’ contents are destroyed. Marcellus estimates it will take about $100,000 to replace the contents alone. Churches, both in and out of the Fellowship, are sending funds. A Christian businessman has given $10,000, and he and Century Charity are promising a $25,000 matching donation. As the Tribune went to press, $8,000 of that had already been raised. Another acquaintance has promised a baby grand piano to the church.
In the midst of the crisis, Marcellus is encouraged. He says, “I could go on and on, God’s blessing are falling. We lost everything, so anything will help, and everyone’s little bit will add up quickly. God has always provided for us and always will.”
Some have wondered how this event will affect the BBFI Midwinter Meeting in Austin, scheduled for February. Pastor Marcellus, who has been directing the preparations for the meeting, assures the Tribune that nothing has changed since the meeting venue is a convention center. The meeting itself is being hosted by the Texas State Fellowship, and many people are involved in the preparations.