January 17, 2020

Good morning. I wanted to update everyone on the earthquake(s) in Puerto Rico.  Perhaps I should first state that the church members and Mary and I are fine and our homes and church building sustained no damage.

Affected area (Click to expand)

As the map indicates, so far the earthquakes are located on the southwest side of the island. We live in Aguadilla which is on the northwest tip of the island (where the blue dot is placed), about thirty-five miles from the epicenters of the multiple quakes and one-thousand aftershocks. Of course, most are not felt but nevertheless over one-hundred have stopped everyone in their tracks to consider preventative measures to avoid injury. Everyone sleeps with one eye open.

PR is blessed. So far deaths have been limited. By comparison, two-hundred and twenty thousand died in the Haitian quake ten years ago and three-hundred thousand were injured.

We received no damage in our town that I am aware of. Houses were shaken pretty hard and several sleepless nights were spent after the 6.4 quake a week and a half ago. Further south, 700-800 homes and structures were destroyed and many others have been compromised and awaiting evaluations by engineers. Schools are not back in session yet, as you can imagine. I have been told there are between seven and eight thousand people sleeping in refuge centers (tent cities) or outside their homes in the streets.

Although Santos Torres, who works with me, has been to the area to take water and some food, I have not yet gone. For a few days we had no water, lights or gasoline and everyone was waiting to see what would come next. And, since I had nothing to give, I felt it would be better to stay away and let those assisting do their work. Many, all over the island, have wanted to help but we have been told to stay away for now. Nevertheless, our church, as well as many churches and organizations, are trying to find the best ways to help out. Presently we are collecting clothing, first-aid items, bedding, tents, canned food, etc. to send to the area and Sunday we are taking up a special offering to help out. I am in contact with a pastor in the affected area and counting on him and other pastors to help us reach out to the affected people.

Some who read our blog and our Facebook posts have sent money. Thank you. We will be sure and get it to those in need. If anyone feels compelled to do so as well, the address is: Puerto Rico Mission, 125 Millard Drive NW, Cleveland, TN 37312. Please indicate it is for earthquake relief.  If a tax deduction is not an issue, the gift/check could be sent here to the following address: Iglesia Cristiana de Aguadilla, c/o Johnathan Reece, HC 04, Box 47171, Aguadilla, PR 00603. 

I will pause here. Blessings to all

Johnathan and Mary