Church helps Ashland woman attacked by shark in Florida

GLEN ALLEN, Va. (WWBT) – Winn’s Baptist Church in Glen Allen is looking for ways to support a member of their congregation who was bitten by a shark while vacationing in Florida last Friday.

Pastor Jeff Brauer said 45-year-old Elisabeth Foley has been attending Winn’s Baptist Church for several years and volunteers at every opportunity.

“With Elisabeth, they say you have to love her when you know her. And that’s exactly how it is,” said Pastor Brauer. “She always has a bright, beautiful smile and encouraging words, and she is one of those people who is always a joy to be around. She is always thinking about others and how she can be a blessing to others.”

The Ashland woman’s church is praying for her recovery after she was bitten by a shark while vacationing in Walton County, Florida. She was one of three people bitten within 90 minutes. The 45-year-old suffered severe midsection injuries and lost her left hand.

Hours after the shark attack, Pastor Brauer received a prayer request from Foley’s eldest daughter.

“She wanted our church family to pray for her mother,” said Pastor Brauer. “I was able to pray with her, fully trusting that God was listening to us and would act on this situation.”

Pastor Brauer is in close contact with Foley’s family, who said Elisabeth is making “remarkable progress” after undergoing surgery at a Florida hospital.

The Glen Allen church is looking for many ways to support the Foley family, including launching this online fundraiser that has already raised more than $60,000.

“As a family, we care for our family,” said Pastor Brauer. “We believe that as children of God, as the family of God, as the body of Christ, we multiply our joys and share our sorrows. As we stand by them and help them, we share the sorrows and the burden and are companions to them as they go through this difficult time.”

While Foley continues to recover from her injuries, Pastor Brauer says Elisabeth is relying on her faith to get her through this.

“Elisabeth’s faith is extremely strong. She is a brave person,” he said. “It is her faith that got her through.”

If you would like to help the Foley family with their medical expenses, click here.

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