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SPIRITUAL VALUE

Though Hurricane Charley battered parts of Florida, churches in the area say they have seen God at work.

Scott Borden survived the storm huddling in a small closet and praying. Though his home was not severely damaged, his church was hit hard.

Borden feared the 600 members of the congregation would be scattered. He was surprised when dozens of church members turned up in the courtyard to pray and comfort one another.

With no air conditioning, and only warm drinking water to offer for refreshment, the congregation at First Alliance church gathered to sing praises to the Lord.

After the services, Borden said, "I believe God is at work, even in Charley."

Cassie Fryfogle and her husband took a break from helping neighbors clean their damaged street by attending church. Fryfogle said, "I've been waiting for church services ever since I heard that the storm was coming."

The pastor of a church down the street put out a hand painted sign advertising services following the storm. He set up a few dozen folding chairs with a Bible on each seat. Pastor Leroy Martin says he believes people realize the value of their lives at a time like this. He added, "I guess at a time like this, you realize the significance of spiritual values when everything else is blown away."

—Associated Press, Storm-Battered Worshippers gather in Fla. August 15, 2004. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.

Mark 8:36-37 (NIV) "What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? [37] Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?"