Fish Fry fund-raiser for area pastor in need
The First Baptist Church of Pine Island will host a fish fry fund-raiser on Sunday, Feb. 27, from noon till 1:30 p.m. or until the fresh fish runs out. All proceeds from this fund-raiser will go to support Pastor Wayne Whaley in the Buckingham area who is losing his eye sight and is in need of a cornea transplant.
The church is asking for a donation of $6 or more for the fish fry meal. A church member who is a local commercial fisherman will provide the fresh fish bounty from the waters around Pine Island. Homemade side dishes, desserts and a beverage will be included in the meal.
“We met with Pastor Whaley and his wife Patty and prayed with them. As a church we wanted to help raise funds for Pastor Whaley’s eye surgery. We hope our community will join in this effort and at the same time enjoy a fresh fish meal,” said Clint Miller, pastor at the First Baptist Church of Pine Island.
The church on Pine Island received a letter from Pastor Whaley’s wife relaying the details of their plea for help. Pastor Whaley has had cornea transplants in both eyes.
The couple has sought assistance from various agencies to no avail.
In her letter, Patty Whaley provides the details of their situation.
“The first transplant has been in rejection off and on for the past year and a half, causing the cornea transplant to basically die. He (Pastor Whaley) is blind in his right eye and in much pain daily. In November 2009, due to the bad economy, I (Patty) lost my job, (we lost) our insurance, home, and we have become financially unstable. After two years of searching for a job, I was able to get a job, but the job pays less than half of what I was making before. My husband has not been paid from the church since April 2010 due to the economy, and we have had to downsize our place of residency twice.”
The conclusion of Whaley’s letter goes on to say, “We don’t always know how God may use us in His ministry. Won’t you please pray and seek God’s will in my husband’s life and also in yours. My prayer is that someone will read this letter and say God wants to use me to minister to Pastor Whaley and his family. Please pray. Please allow God to use you in the life of someone less fortunate.”
To help the Whaley family, please join The First Baptist Church of Pine Island at the fish fry fund-raiser. If you prefer to make a donation by check, make the check payable to The First Baptist Church of Pine Island and designate it to Pastor Wayne Whaley.
The First Baptist Church of Pine Island is at 5363 Avenue D in Bokeelia, across the street from the Pine Island Elementary School. Ample parking is available around the church.
For more information about the church, click on www.fbcopi.com or email fbcopi@gmail.com. You can also call the church office at 239/283-1737. Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. An automated center collects messages off hours.
Services at the First Baptist Church include Wednesday night prayer and Bible study at 7 p.m. and the TeamKid program for grades one through six which begins at 6:45 p.m. On Sundays, Sunday School starts at 9:30 a.m. and Worship Service begins at 10:45 a.m. Come a little early before the worship service and join us for coffee and sweets. Free transportation is available. Call the church office to arrange a ride.