Fairview, NJ Saturday, February 9, 2008

The call went out to our GDVA churches to assist in cleanup at the Fairview Baptist Church, Camden following a major water pipe breaking and flooding the furnace and basement area.  Thanks goes to about twelve to fourteen individuals you made it to the church this past Saturday to begin the major cleanup effort.  The pastor Dr. Mary Lovett, expressed her deep appreciation and thanks for those who turned out on such short notice.  The first and heavy task of cleanup has started with more yet to be accomplished in the weeks ahead.  The damage to the boiler is yet to be fully determined but with the assistance of the oil company, it was able to heat the building for the work crew who came.  The water level in the boiler has to be adjusted manually, so this means a watchful eye is needed or the boiler turns off for safety reasons but then the building is not heated.  Progress is being made, and the pills of wet clothing, paper, what was turned to garbage due to the water, was being hold out by hardy souls who sorted through a host of items.  At times they needed to take pictures for insurance purposed.

It is hard to do justice when you only have a few pictures of the work that was done and the damage that they faced but God continues to provide.  The spirit around the church was good but evidence of the pain and set back was also apparent.  Fairview Community Baptist Church has been around for over eight decades now but has keep the faith and witness for Christ through its years of ministry to the area of Fairview. 

Anyone who would like to continue to assist them can contact Toni Bennecchi who will arrange for the days when work can be done at the church.  They will be giving out clothing to the poor this coming weekend, so they will not be able to work on the church as the needs of persons they service takes a priority.  It is that spirit which has given witness to the people in the community and a message of a God that will provide for their needs.  Insurance will help but as yet there is no determination as to the total needs nor the total cost of bringing the basement area back to where it can be part of their ministry.  With only the sanctuary and basement area to do ministry, they have a challenge ahead of them for sure.  Both Pastor Lovett and Toni Bennecchi expressed their joy for the response given thus far.  "It is just wonderful" Toni said. "Truly a blessing for us here at Fairview!"