Across the street at the manse, candles, flashlights, blankets and sleeping bags were gathered, not only for us, but for Oscar and Patty Dorantes, along with baby Andre, who lived on the Hopewell campus while Oscar attended seminary. Frightened and ill prepared for this kind of weather, they asked to stay with us until power was restored. The Lowrance-Dorantes ice storm camp out is another story!
As pastor, Jeff (my husband) was not only concerned about Sunday services but a very special wedding was to take place that weekend. The groom’s family had immigrated to the US from Vietnam when he was four years old. Hopewell adopted the family and he grew up in a close knit community that included his lovely bride-to-be.
On Friday morning, the prospect of a wedding looked bleak. Not only was the power still off, the front door and walkways to the sanctuary were blocked by a mass of large limbs and branches from ice shattered trees. Before long, however, church members began to arrive hauling chainsaws, axes and a trailer. Neighbors, of all ages, showed up with rakes, wheelbarrows and willing hands to help restore order to the grounds.
That evening, a frosty rehearsal took place in the dark sanctuary, lighted only by a few oil lamps. Pastor, couple and wedding party giggled like children to see, literally, their prayers and vows, as warm breath met frozen air. Afterward, all crowded into a classroom next to the kitchen which was outfitted with a commercial sized gas stove. Everyone feasted on candle-lit BBQ and laughed at our circumstances, made sweeter by a faithful community. The bride and groom were calm and reflective. "As long as we had God, Jeff and our families, I knew we would have a wedding,” reminisced the bride.
There was still no electric power the day of the wedding, which was scheduled for five o’clock. Over in the fellowship hall, the bride's mother wept and prayed as she and others put finishing touches on decorations. That is where Jeff found her when he rushed over at 4:45pm with the news. "Are you okay?", he asked. "Yes", she replied through tears. " I'm just pleading with God to please turn on the power." "Well, that's what I came to tell you. The power came back on in the sanctuary! It probably won't be long before it's on in here too.” Fresh tears and prayers of thanksgiving erupted.
Those in attendance agreed that wedding was the most beautiful ever held at Hopewell Presbyterian Church. Wedding finery was hidden under coats and wool wraps, manicured fingernails unseen beneath warm mittens. Were there flowers? Did the organist ever make it to the church? I can't recall.
What I do remember was the Power that enveloped us. The bride put it beautifully when she said, "we were blessed with the power of prayer, the power of community, the power of our love for one another and the Power of God. We didn't need electricity."
There is no darkness too great for the Power of God to break through.
