An email was sent out to all alumni after the destruction of Hurricane Sandy asking for prayer and support to one of our alumni in the area, Dan Shafer (’95). Below is a message from him.

I just wanted to say a big “thanks” for sending out an alumni-wide message last month in regards to our relief efforts due to Hurricane Sandy’s devastation! A little over 1 month ago, we began reaching out to our nearest, most-devastated community- the Rockaways in Queens. I am so thankful for the prayers, sacrificial giving, and volunteering provided by God’s people this past month to assist in our ministry efforts. Because of them, thousands of people received much needed food, hot meals, supplies, and received a gospel presentation! I am glad to report that there have been professions of faith and many genuine relationships established with the residents of Rockaway Beach.

Because of your prayers and gifts, we were able to serve as “first responders” for the first three weeks following this deadly storm. With no electricity, no heat, no transportation, and no supply routes available, we found ourselves with a tremendous opportunity to minister to so many! With their life’s possessions destroyed and their homes filled with water, many began to question God and to examine their mortality and relationship with God. Truly, this tragedy opened doors to meet both the physical and spiritual needs of others.

FEMA and the Red Cross have finally arrived in full force, and so we have begun to transition our “relief efforts” from distributing supplies to planting a Bible-preaching church in Rockaway Beach, New York. Our physical presence continues primarily in demolition and construction tasks as we seek to help many families move into their homes once again. However, all efforts are now being done through the new church plant- Beach Church of Rockaway Beach, NY (www.rockawaybeachchurch.org). Our prayer is that the residents of Rockaway Beach will be drawn to Jesus and will grow through the ministries of our new church plant.

This past summer, Bible studies were begun in this community, and the Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts have provided a God-ordained platform to move forward in this church plant. Beach Church had its first community gathering this past Saturday afternoon. A sit-down Thanksgiving dinner for personally invited guests was held. People with whom relationships had been fostered were invited to attend. Music, testimonies, and a gospel presentation were given! Almost 40 community residents attended! Each Sunday night until the new year, a concert and cookout time is being offered for residents in the community! God willing, in the new year, Bible studies will begin throughout the various neighborhoods of Rockaway Beach! A location has already been secured, and we are rejoicing in God’s many blessings!

I wanted to send this brief update as well as to offer a huge “thank you” to TBC for their involvement and assistance in sharing the needs and opportunities here in NYC. The need is still great, and people’s prayers, volunteering, and gifts are still welcome. If possible, please extend my thanks to all that inquire. I am reminded of Ecclesiastes 4:9 and 4:12. Indeed, many hands helped God’s message to be delivered to many people!

Thanks again!

Dan Shafer
All Nations Baptist Church
8676 80th Street
Woodhaven, NY 11421
718.296.2025
www.allnationsbaptist.org
Alumnus of ‘95
 

If would like to donate to Dan’s relief efforts, click here.