September 11, 2024
STATESBORO, Ga. (BP) – Floodwaters from Mill Creek last week sabotaged the serene Blessing Field, purchased a year ago by the Cambodian Southern Baptist Fellowship and used just last month for their annual retreat.
The creek, which widens into a pond in the shape of a figure 8, flows through the 7-acre property that includes a 9,000-square foot fellowship hall, 11,000-square foot worship center, two large and three small gazebos and two water fountains. Flood water inched its way up to nearly 4 feet in parts of the buildings.
“It was up to my waist,” said the property’s unofficial caretaker, Mike Jefferson, who is 5’10. “I got there yesterday and all I could do was cry.”
By Wednesday, Aug. 14, Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief was onsite.
“The flooring is going to have to come up, Sheetrock removed to above the waterline, and the kitchen cabinets will have to come out,” reported Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief assessor Richie Howard while he was walking through the fellowship hall. Howard is a member at First Baptist Church of Jonesboro, Ga. “We get it where it's safe, clean and ready to rebuild.”
He anticipates more damage will be seen as he completes his assessment in both buildings.
Jefferson earlier today opened all doors and windows as he surveyed the flood damage.
“All the electronics are gone, and they [the Cambodians] just bought them, some still in boxes,” Jefferson said. “All their mics, everything. It’s all just soaked. It’s pretty bad, really bad.”
The sound equipment was at the back of the worship center, where there was apparently the most severe damage. The expansive red and gold carpet is wrinkled, and red-and-gold upholstered chairs already smell of mildew, though they can be cleaned after they dry out, Jefferson said.
In the fellowship hall, Jefferson said he found “the refrigerators and freezers were literally floating in water. A couple were turned upside down and moved 3 or 4 feet by the water they were in. The [garage] area we cook in was at least 3 feet under water.”
Earlier this year seven showers were built, and 23 sleeping cubicles were built. The bottom 48 inches of the fiberglass showers and the drywall in the 8×10 cubicles will also be removed.
“I’m going to put out the fans we have and will go to town and buy more now, so things start to dry out,” Jefferson said. “We sure are glad Disaster Relief said they can help!”
Seang Yiv, executive director of the Cambodian Southern Baptist Fellowship, sits in his North Carolina home, too stressed, he said, to make the trip to Statesboro.
“We don’t have insurance,” he said. “We’ve been trying to get some, but they haven’t sent us a contract yet.
“I’m really depressed and still sorting out why the Lord allowed this to happen,” Yiv continued. “I’m still thinking and praying about it. I’m a little confused, and I’m grateful for Disaster Relief.
“They have groups in different states helping with hurricanes and fire and all sorts of things,” the Cambodian leader said. “I know they take care of disasters. I never thought we’d have one, though.
“We will pray that the Lord will provide through our brothers and sisters at the SBC,” Yiv added. “Amen and Amen! He is an awesome God!”
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This story was first published by Baptist Press.
