Hurricane Ian's Impact on RMI

Wow! Hurricane Ian has come and gone, but the effects will be with us for a long time to come, not only in the area but for our staff as well. I am sure you have seen the news reports of how Ian destroyed much of Fort Myers and Lehigh Acres where our office is located. The real issue is how this has devastated so many families in our area, including our staff.

We are thankful that our staff in the US office are safe and unharmed. However, all have suffered damage in one way or another to their homes and properties.  Several had damage to the structure, including water damage. Herb and Shirly Shoemaker had their home flooded with four inches of flood water. Everyone lost power with most going days and some even now not having power. The costs that they have been encountering to prepare for and now just to try to keep generators going, find food and water, and be able to keep their families going have been extraordinary.

We have several that possibly won’t have power or water for several weeks. This makes life very difficult, with gas being a constant issue to find and purchase to keep their generators running, even seven days after the storm, not including any damage to the house they are having to deal with. Unfortunately, the required high hurricane deductibles for insurance make it even more difficult.

For our founders, Herb and Shirley Shoemaker, having a flooded home means that they must have two ft of sheetrock torn out of the whole first floor, loss of a lot of furniture and personal items that got wet with the toxic flood water, and long-term displacement until it all can get fixed. Their 15 yr. old vehicle was a complete loss as well as it sat in the flood waters. We have several other staff that has quite a bit of water damage due to leaking roofs and torn-off soffits, etc.  These damages are still being evaluated. All of this will amount to a lot of out-of-pocket expenses for our staff.

Unfortunately, our RMI vehicle was flooded as well and I just found out that it has been determined to be a total loss which will mean more expense to replace as insurance won’t completely replace it.

How can you help?  First, we covet your prayers.  Second, we humbly ask you to consider help for our RMI staff.  This is a time when our staff could really use some substantial help and encouragement.  RMI would be grateful for your contribution to our “where needed most” fund so we can minister to our staff as they continue ministering to others on your behalf.  This will help RMI enable our staff to get back on their feet, repair their homes, and cover some of the many expenses necessary to move forward.  Our highly qualified staff are dedicated to the RMI ministry even though they often could make a lot more elsewhere.  Would you or your church consider a gift to RMI designated “where needed most”?  You can send a check or go online at www.rmibridge.org/donate and pick the “where needed most” designation.  Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

Daniel Shoemaker

President