Written by Carol Fouke-Mpoyo
A Southwest Conference work team trip in conjunction with other volunteers from around the country is still planned for June 13-20. We need 2-3 more members. San Juan is far away from the epicenter so it hasn't been affected at all. The airport is open and has remained so. A UCC mission group there now and they are continuing to work near the camp. UCC mission groups are working only in the north and western parts of the island – areas not affected by the earthquake. We have plenty of work for our volunteers. Experts say that Puerto Rico will be getting aftershocks for a while but that they will diminish over time in intensity. These tremors are continuing in the southern part of the island and can be felt slightly in the north and east and these will continue according to seismic geologists. Ponce is another thing entirely. Downtown Ponce is almost destroyed, many of the old historic buildings are ruined. The same in Guayanilla, Peñuelas, and Guanica.
In Puerto Rico, a series of powerful earthquakes have killed one person, injured several, unleashed small landslides and caused homes and other buildings to crack and crumble. The earthquakes and aftershocks have taken out power across most of the island, also leaving hundreds of thousands without water.
The Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, UCC associate general minister and co-executive for Global Ministries, is dispatching funds to Global Ministries partner IEUPR (Iglesia Evangelica Unida de Puerto Rico) so the church can assist with needs of first response, such as hygiene kits.
Disaster Ministries is also issuing an emergency appeal to continue to assist the people of the island. Goal: $250,000. Click here to donate.
UCC Disaster Ministries and the IEUPR have been collaborating on a multifaceted Hurricane Maria recovery program, including restoring homes (in particular, roofs). UCC Disaster Ministries is also supporting work to strengthen Ryder Memorial Hospital, sponsoring trauma recovery and disaster preparedness workshops, and renovating space for a Mission Center serving vulnerable survivors' recovery. Click here for details.
Prayer:
“Holy God, source of light and life, our hearts are once again grieving as we witness the many tragedies around us. We pray today for our siblings in Puerto Rico who have awakened to the challenges of these earthquakes. We pray their strength and resilience. We pray for those who experienced loss and ask their peace and comfort. Help us to be a source of your presence and love with all in this moment. We pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.”
2020 Pray for Puerto Rico Bulletin Insert