This will be just a brief update. We are thankful to Healing Hands International (Nashville) for the hard work in getting our 40 foot container moving through Savanna Ga. and on to Freeport. Whites Ferry Road Relief Ministries has supported this effort with funds, and also $5000 in cash which we have gotten to the Freeport brethren to help tide them over until the shipment arrives. They have sent several of their out of work men (Hotels closed) to Ft. Lauderdale to buy water and food. You will see in a report from Brother Bill Miller, ( Elder at Highbury Park in Nassau) what the other little congregations in the Bahamas are doing to keep them going. All Islands have been hit, but each congregation in the Bahamas has deferred to Freeport for the help they need. Others will be assisted in time and as money allows.
Hurricane Jeanne has been the most deadly, but not the most destructive. More than 700 are counted dead in one town in Haiti (The third largest town), and they are still finding bodies as the water recedes. Jeanne has been turning circles just off the Bahamas, and is expected to either move back over them, or move north and west into the United States by the end of the week. Hurricane Karl seems to be moving off to the north, and Lisa may follow we hope. We have been hit in south east Florida the past couple of days with strong winds and heavy rain from the split off of Hurricane Ivan as it moved east from the far north position. This has brought flooding back to an area already torn up by Francis. There is some concern that this may develop again in the Gulf and move toward Texas?
We have failed to contact Brother and Sister Bothwell in Cayman. We continue to pray for them. We believe them to be alive, but do not know their location or condition, or that of any of the brethren there. Please pray for these in Cayman. For those of you who know and love Lincoln Young, he had his 37th birthday last Sunday. I told him we would have a party one of these days!
Here is the report from Bill Miller:
Dear David:
Ever since the hurricane (Francis) I have been having problems with my e-mail and computer. I still do not have the usage of my computer but because of a good brother I have the usage of his.
Hurricane struck the Bahamas with a vicious blow, never before in recorded history has one hurricane swept through the entire Bahamas effecting every island. From Inagua to Grand Bahama, the wild winds and angry seas swept across these islands. Every island was affected but some suffered more than others. The island were the greatest damage was done was Grand Bahama. When I saw the destruction of this island, houses destroyed, light post knocked down in every direction, the airport room badly damaged, people looking so depressed, I could not help but be at the brink of tears.
Immediately following the hurricane the greatest need was precious water. The Church in Nassau rallied and send a shipment of water to our brothers in Freeport. One of our members who is a police officer went with the shipment of water to make sure that it got in the hands of the members of the Church this was necessary in order to assure safe delivery in the right hands because the people were fighting on the docks to get whatever they possibly can.( The Abaco Church sent men in a small boat with water and food across almost 100 miles of ocean). Another shipment of water is to go from Nassau tomorrow.
The church will be needing all the help that we can get because we have to look at the situation for a long time. The hotels are closed because of damages done and will be closed for a long time. The hotels will not be making any payments to the laid off workers and a number of them are members of the church. We have to provide the basis essentials for them until they return to work in February of next year. We will be purchasing food stuff in bulk and packaging up a box for those in need each week. It is for this reason that we are asking help from you for monetary help to assist our needed brothers and sisters.
We will keep you informed as to how we are progressing in this matter
God bless
Bill
Again we are thankful to all who have sent money to help. Your generous contributions not only provide supplies that are much needed, but hope and a since of not being alone and forgotten. Sometimes this is just as important as food and a gallon of water.
We continue to need help. Checks can be made to Bahama Mission Church of Christ, and sent: David Caskey- Missions
Gulf Coast Church of Christ
3825 McGregor Blvd.
Ft. Myers, Florida 33901
These funds are being overseen by the elders at Gulf Coast and accounted for by Danny Osborn CPA.
david
Bahama Mission Home Page
http://www.flyingpreacher.com/
Mission Contact
David Caskey
Webmaster
Jerry Pickup
http://www.jpickup.com/
