LUMBERTON — Storm clouds parted Saturday morning in time for the rededication service of West Lumberton Baptist Church, nine months and three weeks after flooding from Hurricane Matthew inundated the church with several feet of water and sand.
“Worship is restored!” the Rev. Rick Foreman said as a stone marker was unveiled with the date Hurricane Matthew struck on Oct. 8, 2016. Approximately 150 people attended the ceremony.
Faith followed in the wake of tragedy and devastation for the West Lumberton Baptist Church. Congregants and Foreman said disaster is a remarkable teacher. Among the lessons: a church is people not buildings; faith is stronger than disaster; people from near and far care for each other; and even a church in ruins can help others.
Following the flooding, it was not unusual to see demolition work and then rebuilding on the south end of the church, while at the same time on the north end long lines of people who were being given food, warter and other necessary items as they struggled to reclaim their lives.
West Lumberton Baptist Church was walloped by fast-moving water that flowed through the Jacob Swamp Dike as well as from water that came around the dike from the west. Damage totaled $1.3 million to church buildings.
“I was here when we were knee deep in muck,” said Tonya Head, a member. “It was awful and the stench terrible. We were devastated. I cried.”
On Saturday, Head shed tears of joy as she and others toured the rebuilt sanctuary.
The church was resurrected with the help of many hands. The program listed 104 churches, businesses, civic organizations and government agencies that pitched in to help, including four sheriff’s departments, churches from as far away as Alabama, Florida and Kentucky and as near as East and North Lumberton.
Danny Rowland, a 30-year member of West Lumberton Baptist Church, said his view of the world changed as other churches and organizations pitched in to help.
“A lot of people helped us — churches came from near and far — and we’re really grateful,” Rowland said. “We held Sunday services in our fellowship building, our other services were held in East Lumberton and North Lumberton Baptist churches.
“I have to single out East Lumberton Baptist Church for their contributions,” he said. “This is what God can do.”
A total of $245,000 has been raised to offset rebuilding costs, and the remainder is on loan, Foreman said.
The Robeson Baptist Association played a role in pulling the church back from the brink. Alan Taylor, director of ministries, was there Saturday and a witness immediately after the flood.
“When I saw the devastation, I lost heart and was without faith,” Taylor said. “Then, God and a lot of people showed up, and things started happening.
“Rev. Foreman is former military and worked in construction for 10 years before joining the ministry,” Taylor said. “Do you think he was the right man in the right place?”
Foreman declared: “This church has grown stronger, stronger in its faith and more united.”
He also talked about the mission work the church did even as its buildings were shuttered.
“We gave help to 25,000 people in the form of water and other supplies,” Foreman said. “This church did not buy one bottle of water, but we handed out hundreds of thousands of bottles. Whenever we were about to run out, another truck showed up.”
The church also dedicated its new playground to the late Charles Ivey. Ivey, who lived across the street from the church at 2320 W. Fifth St., died while trying to evacuate from rising floodwaters.
The church with the help of the Robeson County Sheriff’s Department lowered the tattered American Flag that was named the “hurricane flag” because it had flown since the flood. All new flags are flying in its place.
Speakers at the rededication included Sen. Danny Britt, Lumberton Mayor Bruce Davis, Lumberton City Councilman Leon Maynor and Sheriff Kenneth Sealey.
“I’ve never been prouder of West Lumberton,” Maynor said.
The song chosen for the event was “Greater Things are yet to be done in this city.” The church is planning another day to give clothing, furniture and other necessities to hurricane victims.
