Chokoloskee church damaged by storm surge on the road to recovery

CHOKOLOSKEE, Fla. Storm surge nearly destroyed a church in Chokoloskee after Hurricane Irma, but the faith of churchgoers has remained strong.

Video posted on the Chokoloskee Church of God’s Facebook page shows how high the storm surge was after the storm:

Several feet of salt water swamped the sanctuary on 1236 Demere Lane and the road to recovery is long, but it’s the kindness of strangers that has helped pastor Lynette Morris and her church family stay focused.

“Actually today, a man pulled up and gave me a $250 check. There are blessings everywhere,” Morris said.

Repairs include ripping out the stage and clearing out the furniture and services will be temporarily held outside.

“What we’ve learned to do is take it one day at a time, one small project at a time,” Morris said.

Despite the devastation all around, Morris hopes others affected by the storm will remain positive.

“I cope number one by prayer and my trust in the Lord. Jesus teaches us not to worry and not to fret,” Morris said.