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Shelter in the Storm “What is the most
frightening weather experience you can remember? Were you aware of God’s presence in that
event?” We found it on our first
visit into the city following the devastation caused by Hurricane
Katrina—this message of hope in the midst of the destruction. Our hearts broke when we saw the stricken
steeple, the huge hole in the roof,
the pile of rubble and shattered timbers blocking the front entrance. But how relieved we were when we entered
the sanctuary to find that, in spite of the extensive external damage, the
interior was amazingly intact, the beautiful stained glass windows unharmed,
the familiar hush and comforting sense of deep peace still filling the sacred
walls. Upon closer inspection we discovered
the fallen chandeliers, the water damaged pews, a table of wet hymnals and Upper Room devotionals. When we attempted to remove them, one wet
page adhered to the table top, like a message of hope intended for our
discovery, this page bearing the title of the Upper Room entry for October
19, 2005: “Shelter in the Storm.” For weeks, this message, displayed at the
Sanctuary entrance, was a reminder to
us all of God’s promised presence, come what may. “He who dwells in the
shelter of the Most High, who abides in the shadow of the Almighty,
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The Sign of the Cross Formed from two of the broken timbers of
our fallen steeple, the cross towered above the wreckage for
many days. It too was a symbol of hope for the members
of Rayne. Today, in the Fellowship Hall where worship proceeds until the Sanctuary
is restored, a similar cross made of broken steeple
timbers has been erected over the altar. |
