If you've seen the news in the last few weeks, you would have seen news of Hurricane Melissa. You are aware that the hurricane was projected to hit Jamaica as a Category 5 and the southeastern portion of Cuba as a Category 3. The destruction has been detrimental to Jamaica, and we are grateful that there are organizations helping the island recover from the damage. In Cuba, the eastern corner did experience damage and deaths. Santa Clara was approximately 300 miles from the eye of Melissa. The Lord was gracious to allow our in-country team and the surrounding areas to be completely safe from the hurricane.
Concerning the consistent blackouts, they are consistently inconsistent. They can range from thirty minutes to twenty-four hours or longer. Locations, city blocks, and various neighborhoods cannot ensure that protected circuits will continue to stay strong due to degrading power plants, generating electricity via fuel that is already scarce in the country. Food insecurity is even higher now because they can't ensure that food will last without proper refrigeration. Generators are infrequently found in the country and cannot meet the power needs of whole neighborhoods.
There are now multiple vector-borne illnesses (mosquito-bite contracted). Each virus carries its own symptoms that can be highly deadly for those exposed. Without proper nutrient-dense diets, the ability to fight these viruses is minimal. Without medications to help fight the infections or lessen the symptoms, people are suffering.
So why did I write this post? It is imperative to address these issues and be aware that thousands of people are suffering. Each person is dealing with hardships that we cannot even imagine. This is not a light and momentary affliction. This is the life of many individuals. Seems pretty hopeless, doesn't it?
You may be asking yourself after reading this post, "Well, what can I do?" You can pray! The Lord is mighty and powerful. Pray that He will show His power and might in the country. You can pray that the people will feel hope and trust in the Lord. Pray for the pastors who are proclaiming the Lord's goodness to fellow Christians and unbelievers alike. Finally, you can pray for our team. They are in the midst of this every day. Pray for continued health and stamina for our team.
