Hurricane center's Max Mayfield guided by faith in Christ
Jul 8, 2005
By Barbara Denman

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (BP)--As Floridians hunker down in front of television sets for the latest hurricane news, they are hoping reports will not bring word of storms bearing down on their homes and worldly possessions. Yet even in the midst of their turmoil, a single, calm voice will guide them through what may be the most cataclysmic event of their lifetime.

That voice, belonging to Max Mayfield, director of the National Hurricane Center, is one of vigilance and reassurance. As an advisor to national media and governmental agencies, Mayfield's words often are a matter of life and death.

"You can't overly alarm people," the 56-year-old meteorologist said. "But our message is very consistent. We want every individual, every family and every business to have a hurricane plan before the storm. People who had a plan did better than people who did not [in previous years]."

As the voice in the midst of the life-threatening storms, Mayfield himself relies on his Christian faith. He quickly recalls a verse he claims as his own: 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18, "Rejoice in everything, pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

"Prayer is a big part of my life," he said, noting that his prayer is not to change God's will but to ask Him to limit loss of life and property damage.

Article: http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=21172