Dear friends and family, With the approaching storm, we felt it appropriate and necessary to pass along as much information as we can regarding possible prayer needs and more. First of all, if Isaac reaches Cat 2 status or higher, the impact can be quite devastating, as winds will be in excess of 100 miles per hour. This being said, there are other factors to be taken into consideration that greatly affect the impact in any given area. For example, the eastern side of the center is by far the most dangerous and heavily impacted area. In addition, the storm surge quite often (as was the case with Katrina) can be by far the most devastating event in a hurricane. Our home is located approximately 2 miles from the outer beach, which is about one-quarter-mile wide; there is the inland bay about one-half-mile wide, then the peninsula upon which we live. Our elevation is approximately 30 feet above sea level, and our home is three stories in the back and two in the front. If you go to Google and look up 9536 Bone Bluff Drive, Navarre, FL, you can get a much better view and understanding of our terrain. I am by no means concerned for the safety of our family, as I will do all I can to keep my family from harm, even if evacuation is necessary. As for our home, well, God gave us this home, and it is His, so we will lay it at His feet and trust that our Creator knows best. I truly have a great peace that this storm will have minimal effect on our dwelling place; however, I am very concerned for those who could potentially face catastrophe and devastation. Our role in this event and in all catastrophes (of which I believe there will be many) is to be a blessing and bring Christ to all who have lost hope, dreams, and more. Our world, and particularly our nation, has become far too dependent upon the things of the world--material possesions and fleshly pleasures that truly are unstable and shifting like the wind-blown sands. America has followed far too closely in the steps of the Israelites when Samuel the prophet heard them crying out for a king (1 Samuel 8:9). We, as a nation, have determined that God is not what we want, and we would rather have our own way. We desire the things of our flesh more than the holiness of God. I fear that just as God warned the Israelites of what a king would give them, He has allowed for us as well. What does this have to do with Isaac, you ask? Isaac is simply another storm brewing, another crop from the seeds we have sown, and there will be more. How do we prepare for a storm, you ask? Deborah and I are committed first of all to leading our family to follow Christ not only with our mouths but to seek the righteousness that can only be found in Him. We desire to live lives sanctified by His blood; lives filled with repentance and humility. Oh yes, we stumble, but we will not fall, for He is our strength. We then do all we can to be lighthouses and places of refuge for those who are in need. We lead people to the one place of true hope, Jesus! Prayer Considerations: 1. We have been asked to be the local contacts for Operation Blessing (and have accepted). I would consider them the Christian version of the Red Cross. Please Google them and take some time to see what it is they offer. Our goal will be to again provide relief, prayer, comfort, hope, and more for people affected by this and other disasters. Please pray for opportunities to minister, serve, and be a blessing. 2. We would ask the Lord for His will in this storm, where it lands (if it lands), how strong it is, and more. We, of course, desire that He break up the storm and that it never reaches hurricane strength; however, that may not be His will. Therefore, we seek His will. After all, He is God, Amen. 3. Please pray for our finances and possibly consider financial support to assist with the relief efforts as well as our housing for widows and orphans. We have recently assisted with the renting of a two-bedroom, two-bath home to keep a family off the street, and we would love to do more. This home will soon be holding bible studies and more in one of the poorest communities I have ever seen. Deborah and I have done so out of our own funds, and we are simply asking the Lord to provide more so we can do more to help others find Christ and stay off the streets. 4. Pray for wisdom, as the father, leader, and priest of my home. I desire more than ever to follow the Lord and to lead my family in every step as He desires. 5. Please pray for favor with authorities, community, and church leaders. There are many empty buildings which can be used for God’s glory and to help with many of the programs aimed at widows and orphans in Pensacola. Yes, this is more than an Isaac update. It is a battle update, a letter from another front, and we thank you for taking the time to read and pray for us. If you desire to support the ministry to either orphans and widows, disaster relief, or our family, please make checks payable to “Liberty Church” and enclose a note explaining your desire for use of funds. For further updates, if you have a computer, you can follow the storm updates on Facebook; simply seek Deborah Burroughs or Gene Burroughs. Additionally, I will be sending updates to Shasta Lake Church and Little Country Church. We can be reached in the following manners: Address: 9536 Bone Bluff Drive, Navarre, FL 32566, E-mail: “Gene” outreachman@gmail.com “Deborah” deborahofficer@yahoo.com. God bless you, and please remember us in your prayers. Gene and Deborah Burroughs and family!