September 30, 2022

Dear John,

Wednesday afternoon, Hurricane Ian slammed into southwest Florida in the Fort Myers area as a strong Category 4 storm with sustained winds of 150 mph. In addition to bringing historic storm surge for those along the coast, as the hurricane tore across central Florida it blew off roofs, toppled trees, destroyed roads, brought catastrophic flooding, and left over 2.5 million households without power. Hundreds were stranded needing rescue, while loved ones struggled to make contact with countless others who rode out the storm.

The process of sorting through the rubble and rebuilding is only beginning and will take weeks, months, and even years for families, churches, and businesses.

While there are many concerning issues in our nation and world that deserve our attention, I want to encourage you to take a moment to pray for the people across the Sunshine State who are picking up the pieces this morning.

Here are a few prayer points to help:

• Pray for those who may be trapped, missing, or in danger, that first responders will be able to locate and assist them quickly.
• Pray for those who have lost loved ones, that the Lord would be near to the broken hearted and comfort their hearts as only He can.
• Pray for those who have lost their homes, property, or livelihoods that the Lord will provide for all their needs as they rebuild their lives.
• Pray for churches across Florida to have the resources they need to serve their congregations and communities in need.
• Pray for ministries like Samaritan's Purse that are on the ground providing relief as the hands and feet of Jesus to those in need.

As you may know, Samaritan's Purse is a trusted disaster relief ministry run by our good friend Franklin Graham. Their teams are mobilizing to take equipment and supplies to some of the hardest hit areas of Florida. You can learn more by watching my interview on Washington Watch with Edward Graham, Vice President of Operations for Samaritan's Purse.

Finally, I want to invite you to pray for America.

Our nation has become sharply divided politically and culturally in recent years--but, historically, when tragedy struck, we would pull together to support one another. In light of this disaster, may people's eyes be opened to see their neighbors not as enemies, but as fellow Americans who hold differing worldviews. And in that process, may their hearts be softened to hearing the gospel of Jesus Christ who came, died, and rose again so we might be saved from our sins and live with Him forever.

Thank you, John, for joining the FRC family in prayer at this critical time!

Standing (Eph. 6:13),

Tony Perkins
President