Forest Hills UMC has had a long partnership with the Foundation. However, in 2024, we found ourselves in need of that partnership even more than before. The church was in desperate need of an air conditioning unit for the main sanctuary. After some deliberation, a clear solution to the problem emerged. The air conditioning needed replacement, and a newer, more efficient system was needed. The church had issues with the current unit for over 20 years. In addition, Forest Hills was undergoing a total ministry rebuilding and revitalization effort with a focus on congregational growth. The congregation was slowly growing, and financially, the church was making strides. Yet that momentum stopped when the air conditioner units died, and the parishioners had to sit in a hot church on Sunday mornings. To provide some relief from the heat, we began holding outdoor services a week before Palm Sunday 2025, as it was cooler outside than inside the church. So, we reached out to the Foundation for financial assistance. The process was involved but not difficult. They walked us through the process and even visited the church to hear our plans and assess the buildings that needed repair. They responded to our questions and requests promptly. The Foundation Team walked us through the entire process, from beginning to end, covering everything from paperwork to depositing the cash into our account. Within a few months, the new air conditioning unit was installed before the blazing August heat. The new air conditioning unit made the church more inviting, and now our congregation is back on a growth trajectory. One member commented that the sanctuary had not been comfortable for 20 years. The Foundation team helped Forest Hill’s worship become a comfortable experience and the place to be on Sunday mornings.
So, it was a no-brainer who would help us when the church needed repair after Hurricane Milton. Forest Hills suffered significant damage, and the repairs were costly. The roofs on the daycare center and the administration building were irreparably damaged from the storm. As a start-up congregation, we faced significant financial challenges. However, we knew The Foundation would come alongside us to tackle these issues. Being familiar with the process, the aid we needed was available. God used the Foundation to help us become a place where people want to come to worship.
We thank God for using the Foundation to be a blessing to Forest Hills in our time of need.