Love, Romance and Redemption in Fort Myers
Bo Prosser relates the following story
about former CBF-LA Coordinator John Daugherty

My friend, John Daugherty, pastor at First Baptist Church, Fort Myers, FL, shared this missional story with me last week in Charlotte. We were laughing and wiping tears. I’m grateful for his leadership and the church’s ministry!

July 4, 2010 – Ft. Myers First Baptist Church: Today’s worship was a “WOW!” In addition to celebrating the birth of our nation – we also celebrated the marriage of our building manager, Lois to her new husband Sam. We incorporated their wedding ceremony into our morning worship, then followed it up with a covered-dish luncheon/reception.

This was a “uniquely visible reminder of how people can grow and change when given a little help in an atmosphere where they are loved,” said, Joseph Caulkins, our Minister of Music.

Over a year ago, First Baptist, located in the heart of downtown Fort Myers, recognized a need for ministry among and with our homeless neighbors. In the spring of 2009 we started offering a “laundry and shower” service once a week for as many as 50 of our homeless neighbors. In addition, we offer food for breakfast, coordination of services with local helping agencies, jobs, rehabilitation programs for alcohol and drug abuse, and other social services. And, there are always opportunities for prayer, Bible Study and encouragement.

To help with the severe cold snap in January, First Baptist had a core group of homeless folks who slept around or in our facilities. Sam was one of those “regulars” who showed up on our doorstep to sleep and shower and do laundry. Sam had lost his job and housing when he suffered severe lead poisoning on a large commercial painting job. He lost everything – except his tools, which he was able to store and keep safe.

As a way to “repay” the kindness of the church, Sam volunteered around the facilities assisting Lois, the building manager for First Baptist. Sam soon was picking up other handy-man jobs and saved up money for rent. Lois had an apartment on her property which she offered to Sam to rent affordably. Sam’s work continued to thrive.

A friendship soon blossomed between landlord Lois and tenant Sam. They even worked out a barter system – her cooking some meals and him doing work around her house. Lois also has two sons who were soon helping Sam with work both around their home and on some of his handyman jobs.

By the late spring this friendship was developing into a romance. Lois and Sam came to talk with me as their pastor; we arranged for counseling and together agreed to have a wedding ceremony during one of our morning worship services. July 4 became the date.

From homeless on the doorsteps of the church to having a family and working full-time, Sam is evidence of the grace and mercy of God! Sam got more than a place to stay on cold nights and a way to get cleaned up and have his clothes washed – Sam became family in our church. People loved him, embraced him, and encouraged him. I was privileged to baptize Sam on Sunday, May 30.

While Sam’s is a most dramatic story, there are many others. Nada is working full time, has a place of her own and making it free from life on the streets. Several of our homeless friends are now working. A good many of these neighbors are regular in worship, and always available to help out around the facilities and for special events. Then there is Roy – who could be a story all in himself. First Baptist literally loved Roy into detox and rehab! He is not only free from life on the streets, he is clean and sober and dealing positively with addiction.

Jesus told us this is what his kingdom is all about – doing to, with, and for those who are the “least of these.” God’s call to be a missional church is to be in the life-transforming business. Sam is evidence that it works. He and Lois are on their honeymoon. Our church is still doing “laundry”! God is good!