Pastor Steven Roser embraces one of the faithful as wife Sharon looks on.
When Sandy touched down in Howard Beach, she was undeniably non-sectarian. She destroyed nearly all Houses of Worship in her path, showing very little, if any mercy, for the few minutes she stopped by.
One such House, the Howard Beach Assembly of God, suffered crippling and extensive damage. The estimated cost to repair the property was roughly $170,000. “At first, I was scared. I remember thinking, the church might be done,” Pastor Stephen Roser told The Forum. He knew there were major issues of concern– the church did not have the necessary funding to restore itself.
“But in an instant I realized the church would come out of this situation with a testimony, of sorts, where God would provide for the church’s rebuilding from unexpected sources.”
And on Sunday morning as they gathered for a rededication ceremony, it did seem somewhat amazing to churchgoers in attendance. A very frightening perspective facing the church seven months ago had vanished and been replaced, according to Roser, by nothing less than a miracle.
Looking down from the choir loft of a crowded church, the vision of accomplishment is immediately understood.
Floors and walls, rows of pews, an altar and the pulpit have all been replaced. The meeting room in the basement has been rebuilt. There is a whole collection of instruments, and an audio system.
“This work is a real measure of the power of prayer and what wonderful things happen when people help each other,” said visitor Lillian Payne.
A delicious BBQ followed an emotional and uplifting service at the church on Sunday where hundreds gathered to celebrate and offer worship in a new house.
“It’s the hands and hearts of anyone whom we came upon during this time that have helped to bring us to where we are today” the pastor said as he and his wife Sharon greeted everyone entering the new church building.
And as things got underway, a crowd of more than two hundred gathered–faithful congregants, friends, family, civic and elected officials and visiting clergy—to celebrate the re-dedication of church.
They stood together arms raised in praise, where only months ago, walls had been covered in mold, instruments strewn and broken, an altar collapsed, pews destroyed. Where bibles, song books, carpets and audio equipment had all shared an equal place under several feet of water.
They stood knowing and believing what they had months ago when they embarked on the difficult road back; they would get the help they needed. And now there was no more need for fears, doubts or concern. It was a day to celebrate, to pray, to offer thanks and to recognize helping hands.
A very special part of the service at the church was the dedication of one pew that had been saved and restored from the ruins in the church. It was the pew that was occupied by the church’s founding pastor, Werner Kordon. He retired to Florida and passed away two years ago. For decades, Kordon was a beloved and trusted community leader.
The church opened their backyard for a BBQ where they served up burgers, hot dogs, BBQ Chicken, grilled vegetables, salads and a dessert bar. Seven months later a great ending to a good day.
By Patricia Adams
