LUMBERTON, N.C. -- The congregation of West Lumberton Baptist Church has plenty of stories to tell about survival, endurance and not giving up. In less than two years, they've been struck by two hurricanes.

  • Hurricane Matthew gutted their sanctuary in 2016 and they recovered
  • Hurricane Florence left 10 inches of water in their building and did a tremendous amount of damage to the church parking lot
  • First Baptist Church offered their building to their brothers and sisters from West Lumberton Baptist

Hurricane Matthew gutted their sanctuary in 2016 and they recovered. Now, Hurricane Florence left 10 inches of water in their building and did a tremendous amount of damage to the church parking lot. Right now, the congregation is unable to hold services at their church.

But just as they did two years ago, the congregation at nearby First Baptist Church has offered their building to their brothers and sisters from West Lumberton Baptist. For that, West Lumberton Pastor Rick Forman gave thanks.

"God has been very gracious. He impressed on the hearts of our brothers and sisters here at First Baptist Church in Lumberton to open their doors. They have certainly done that in a mighty way," he said on Sunday.

When Hurricane Matthew hit the church, it took nine months for repairs to be finished and the congregation was able to return. This time, they have hope and faith that their return to their sanctuary because of Hurricane Florence will not take that long. They believe they will be able to go back to their church home either close to Christmas or sometime early in 2019.