First Baptist Church Hudson, like many congregations in Florida, is no stranger to the aftermath of natural disasters. The community is still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Helene, which left the church’s food pantry campus under eight feet of water. Yet, amid destruction and with the looming threat of Hurricane Milton on the horizon, the church remains steadfast in its mission to serve its congregation and community.
“We have two campuses, and our food pantry campus was hit the hardest,” said Steve Gerhart, lead pastor of First Baptist Church Hudson. “When I first walked into the building, it was like a bomb had gone off. Pianos were floating; fridges were on their sides, and all the thrift store merchandise was completely soaked. It was heartbreaking.”
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Yet, Gerhart’s faith remains strong. “I don’t believe God will close this ministry. Maybe it won’t look the same, but we will continue to serve our community.”
The food pantry has been serving the Hudson area for 25 years, feeding approximately 300 families each week. Last year alone, the pantry distributed more than two million pounds of food. After the hurricane, it became clear that rebuilding this vital ministry would be no small task. Still, the church acted swiftly to provide for those in need.
‘Grateful’ to serve
Within hours of Hurricane Helene’s destruction, the Hudson congregation began offering hot showers, laundry services and hot meals to church members and community residents.
“The very afternoon after the storm, we got on Facebook and told everyone, ‘We’ll get everything going as quickly as we can,’” said James Lochridge, associate pastor and music minister. “We served hot lunches; showers were running, and people could wash their clothes — it was a blessing to do that so quickly.”
The church also maintained its weekly programs. On the Sunday after the storm, the church held its regular service, and by Wednesday, both the senior adult program and youth ministry resumed. About 20 senior adults gathered for fellowship, and around 120 youth came to the church for food, support and spiritual care. Many of these youth come from difficult circumstances.
“Most of these kids live in nearby hotels and endure traumatic home lives,” explained Lochridge. “They’re starved for love, and we’re grateful for what God has given us the opportunity to do here.”
Lochridge, who has been deeply moved by the congregation’s resilience and compassion, said, “I’ve never been in a church like this one, where people give sacrificially, love freely and do their best to help others. And it’s all because we have a pastor who leads with that same heart.”
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EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Keila Diaz and originally published by the Florida Baptist Convention.
