Mid-afternoon, Charley changed directions. He headed inland striking head-on the city of Punta Gorda. As if he needed a map, he followed U.S. Highway 27 north through Sebring, Lake Wales and Winter Haven to Interstate 4. He turned to the northeast and followed I-4 through Kissimmee and Orlando to Daytona Beach.

Weathermen excitedly proclaimed the eye of the storm would dissipate as it headed inland. Charley didn't listen to the weathermen. One hundred mile per hour winds crushed the center of the state all the way to Orlando.

In Winter Haven, we were hunkered down at home anxiously watching news reports and waiting.  Many members of Resurrection Lutheran evacuated to shelters. About 7:00 pm lights flickered. Power was lost. Rain fell horizontally from east to west. The wind roared as people could see fences and mobile home roofs sail past their windows. For a few moments it was quiet. The wind shifted direction and the storm passed.

Saturday morning the sun rose revealing devastation. Shingles were everywhere, like confetti after a parade. Homes had lost roofs, fences and pool enclosures. Even brick walls had been blown down. Downed trees and power lines blocked many roads. Phone service was lost; in some areas even cell phones were useless.

My wife and I drove to church to survey the damage. Resurrection Lutheran lost most of its shingles.  There was water damage in the sanctuary and sacristy. An outdoor storage shed had been blown through the neighbor's fence into the next development. We visited some members who lived in a mobile home park. Their house stood, but others in the park were hit hard. Thanks be to God, no one was hurt.

Sunday morning some were able to get through the debris to worship. We gathered without lights or air conditioning in the warm humid Florida morning. Without a functioning organ, we sang our hymns of praise to piano accompianment. In repentance, we asked for God's forgiveness in Christ. In gratitude, we acknowledged God's power, dominion and love. We remembered God's grace in the past years. We reviewed His promises of care. Scripture reminded us that God is always good. He knows what He is doing.  He loves us in Christ. We prayed prayers of thanksgiving for God's providence and love.

We are recovering. It will take time. It is frustrating. We learned that Florida is not much fun without air conditioning. Those who lost shingles and roofs are frustrated that each day brings more rain.

We know God is in control of all things. He took care of His people in this powerful storm. God is stronger than all natural forces.  God controls nature.  God is good.  His word is always true. "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).

Charley was not so tough. Neither was hurricane Francis. Our Savior who calmed storms rules all things for the sake of His people. God is omnipotent. Thank God, He is also gracious-above all in leading us to life eternal through Jesus Christ."

Charles Keeler is pastor of Resurrection Lutheran Church in Winter Haven, Florida.