Puerto Rico Mission: September 21, 2021

After Hurricane Maria 2017
September 21 (Click to expand)

Hi everyone. We are at the height of the hurricane season and yet, so far, everything is quiet. To the east storms are forming but moving to the northeast before reaching the Caribbean...thank goodness. This time four years ago we were reeling from Hurricane Maria, the worst storm to come ashore in seventy years. Just today in the local newspapers I read where there are many residents still using blue tarpaulins to shield their homes from rain. Many have no money to make the repairs. Some roads are STILL being repaired.

Since our last blog in August we have had several opportunities to care for our "neighbors." That included a church attender that had to have surgery but did not have the money to pay deductibles on her health plan. The church stepped in and covered the cost of several hundred dollars.

Also, as you may recall, recently another earthquake devastated Haiti. The church was eager to help. We considered sending clothing but the logistics were complicated so we opted to send a gift of $1,000.00 through International Disaster Emergency Service. That fine organization has contacts in Haiti and we were sure the money would be properly used and reach where the need was real.

Then, this past Sunday, we brought in food and took up a special offering to help two women facing health and financial crisis. Once again, the church was generous and helped the ladies, even though they are unknown to the congregation.

I suppose two-thirds of the church offerings were given away this month. From time to time I notice churches get a bad rap because of the actions of some questionable pastors and church leaders. It always bothers me. We know those cases are sensationalized by the media and in reality, are the exception. The truth is, most churches are generous, at times to a fault. Ours is.

I got a call about a week ago. An organization called "Lazos de Amor" said they wanted to channel fifty "compras" (one-hundred bags) of food through our church to be given out to church members and people in need. All was dispersed between Tuesday and last Sunday. As I looked over the records, I realized most had been given to people on fixed incomes. Often we start with our church family, but certainly do not limit the gifts to just church members. We help out wherever there is a need.

Coming up October 2 the church will be serving with an organization called Nueva Esperanza (New Hope) by passing out prepared food to the community. Sunday we had ten sign up to help out. It was a satisfying moment to see the church respond. I love it when we commit to helping others. It is an evidence that we walk with the Lord. (I Juan 3:17-20).

Finally, I had the privilege of baptizing a young woman a couple of weeks ago. I stopped by her family's home to simply make contact with them when she met me at the gate and exclaimed she was just in the process of texting me about being baptized. The Lord at times moves hearts in mysterious ways.

That wraps it up. Blessing to each and all who read the blog.

Johnathan and Mary

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