Snapshot

Recent local reporting states that Nancy Ellen Mitchell (often reported as Nancy Mitchell Bertine), a former staff member and the ex-wife of the founding pastor of Gulf to Lake Baptist Church in Crystal River, Florida, was arrested and charged after an investigation of suspicious transactions on a church Amazon/business account and a church credit card. The investigation found numerous personal purchases allegedly charged to the church over multiple years. Because this involves a faith community, potential financial harm to donors and vulnerable people, and criminal charges, we call the Church to pray for truth, healing, accountability, and the salvation of all involved.

Background & Context

Who is Nancy Ellen Mitchell (Bertine)? Reporting identifies her as a former worship/staff member at Gulf to Lake Baptist Church and the (now ex-)wife of the church’s founding pastor. She allegedly had access to a church Amazon account and company credit card used for church business. After an internal audit and further subpoenas, deputies allege hundreds or thousands of unauthorized or personal purchases were made that were charged to the church’s accounts. Local court records and news outlets say the alleged missing funds total into the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars; the matter is now in the criminal justice system.

Why this matters: When alleged financial misuse occurs inside a church it wounds donors, members, and public trust in Christian witness. It also raises questions about church financial controls and pastoral accountability. Our response should include prayer, pastoral care for victims, and encouragement of transparent, legal processes.

Scriptural Grounding

Micah 6:8 — "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Psalms 34:18 — "The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."

Proverbs 21:15 — "When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers."

Romans 10:9 — "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

1 Timothy 2:1–4 — "I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people..."

Why We Are Praying

• For truth to be revealed through a thorough and just legal process.
• For protection, pastoral care, and practical support for donors, staff, and others harmed financially or emotionally.
• For Nancy — that she would encounter Christ, repent where needed, and find salvation and restoration if possible.
• For church leadership: wisdom, transparency, and improvements to financial safeguards to prevent future harm.
• For reconciliation where possible, and accountability where law and restoration require it.
• For the church’s witness: that the gospel, not scandal, would shape public perception and that the Church would lead with integrity and compassion.

Prayer Points (Copyable)

1. Pray for truth: Lord, bring all facts into the light; give investigators wisdom and judges discernment. (James 1:5)
2. Pray for victims & donors: provide counsel, restoration, and financial clarity. (Psalms 147:3)
3. Pray for Nancy: that the Holy Spirit would convict, comfort, and draw her into repentance and a saving relationship with Jesus. (Romans 2:4; Romans 10:9)
4. Pray for Gulf to Lake Baptist Church leadership: for courage to be transparent, to support victims, and to strengthen systems. (Proverbs 11:14)
5. Pray for the wider Body of Christ: that we would model justice, mercy, and accountability — not denial or scapegoating. (Micah 6:8)