September 11

Storm in the mountains of Puerto Rico

I took this photo while on a church outing to the mountain town of Jayuya last week.  As I viewed the photo, it occurred to me it was a precursive glimpse of our island's weather five days later as Hurricane Irma, the second most powerful Atlantic hurricane in recorded history, skirted just north of the coast (54 miles), near Aguadilla, where we live. 

Today is "another beautiful day in Puerto Rico", a phrase I gleefully use in January. Yet, after a brush with Irma, to see blue skies, not gray wind-whipped rain clouds; to open the faucet and fill my glass with clean water; or flip the light switch to dispel the darkness; or walk around my house and the church building and note zero damage; or comfort myself knowing none of the church members suffered loss or injury; I triumphantly declare, "another beautiful day in PR". 

Angry seas

We thank God for His inexplicable grace toward the island. I do not mean to imply many did not suffer loss. We, along with sixty percent of the island, were without power and/or/both water for several days. Seventy homes on the east side of the island were destroyed. Nevertheless, when we compare ourselves with Barbuda, St Martin, St. Thomas, and other islands, we believers across the island and in the States sing His praises. Thanks to all you who prayed, called, texted, or Facebooked us as the storm came and went.

Of course, our prayers and attention have turned to the east where so many have lost everything and to FL where friends and family and former church members have had to seek shelter and run the risk of loss of life and property. 

"What can our church in Aguadilla do?" The congregation is known for its open arms and generous spirit. These past four weeks the church and individual members helped a widow and daughter pay water, electricity, car license, brake repairs, and have given them a little cash. We gave a generous offering to the Gideons of PR. In addition, we collected clothing to donate to the Salvation Army, and then this past Sunday we announced a special offering would be taken to help the hurricane victims. We will also be collecting personal items for the people from Barbuda, sent to PR with nothing but the shirt on their back.

Why all this emphasis? Of course, we all know the answer. As I John 3:16-18 stresses, we dare not say "God bless you" and see those same people with genuine needs and do nothing. I always tell the congregation, "LOVE" is not just a noun. It is first a verb. "LOVE" acts.

Well I will close here. Blessings to all!