Tropical Storm Maria...potential disaster

[hatcheckgirl]

Initial report are good, no fatalities at least. Amazing, as it was the fifth strongest hurricane to hit the US ever.

[Tortuga]

On 9/24/2017 at 2:48 PM, hatcheckgirl said:

Initial report are good, no fatalities at least. Amazing, as it was the fifth strongest hurricane to hit the US ever.

 

BREAKING NEWS | Update from Puerto Rico After Hurricane Maria
As of September 25, 2017, information from 15 of the 19 circuit overseers in Puerto Rico has been received and only one injury has been reported among our brothers as a result of Hurricane Maria. We have yet to receive updates from the four circuit overseers on the west side of the island, since communication has not been possible. Brothers from nearby circuits have been acquiring motorbikes and all-terrain vehicles in order to travel to the west side to assess the situation.
We continue to keep our dear brothers and sisters in our prayers.—James 5:16.

 

I hope they hear from the other four COs soon...

[tekmantwo]

On 9/22/2017 at 7:07 PM, Old said:

Where are the dam engineers that built the dam thing?  Just asking.

I think that they are working in Oroville,  California. ...

[hatcheckgirl]

Brother Juan, we hope all is ok with you and the friends over there!  (I know you can't possibly use internet yet as it is still out).  But later, when you can, let us know.  Keeping you all in my prayers.

 

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-28/things-are-still-really-bad-in-puerto-rico-after-hurricane-maria/8996542

 

Puerto Rico before 24/7/17 and after Maria hit - no power.

 

 

 

[Tortuga]

On 9/18/2017 at 8:17 PM, richietj77 said:

Report from Puerto Rico... again...

 

Meetings have been suspended for the rest of the week. Ours is on Saturday, pending the condition of roads and the outcome. We are expecting Cat 5 winds (155mph+) for more than 6 straight hours... and rain... a lot of rain...

 

More to report soon... We're praying here for all our brotherhood and specially for our brothers in the Antilles.

 

Brother Juan, how are things going in PR?

 

We miss you....

Edited January 4, 2018 by Tortuga

[richietj77]

 
Brother Juan, how are things going in PR?
 
We miss you....

First of all, thanks for all the prayers of all of you and thanks to Jehovah for all His love thru all the brothers and sisters that have come and helped us thru all these months and the ones to come. You all have been a 'source of great comfort' for all of us here - Col. 4:11.

Things have been slowly getting back to normal (emphasis on slowly). Power is still the main issue. Almost 4 months after the hurricane, only half of the island have electricity. A good number of Kingdom Halls (ours included) are using diesel or gas generators for the meetings. Almost 70% of our brothers in our KH don't have power. Meetings varies from Sunday only (Weekly and weekend meetings, short versions of both in the same day) to normal throughout all the island.

Many brothers lost their homes and there have been many KH damaged. Some congregations have been reassigned to others halls.

But the love of our brothers and sisters is amazing. It's truly Jehovah's spirit in action.

The next weekend after the storm, the first time we got to meet, we received the first gift. A video talk by Br. Sanderson about the first response of the organization after the Hurricanes. Next weekend after that, we got a big surprise. Even we weren't in an English circuit, we got to see the Annual Meeting... and we sang all the songs in English! Next weekend after that, the CO came. And what a talk he gave! He reminded of the love that God has for his servants and that he doesn't forget them. And he encourage us to keep our spiritual routine. It was so hot that day, he had took his jacket off to give the talk. (Generator only runs lights and sound, not A/C). And about a month ago, a special program was transmitted from the Assembly Hall to all the congregations in the island. Two members of the US branch came and gave an update on the relief efforts that are going on here.

At this time, the organization of the Relief Commitee is astounding. Through the island are Relief Centers (two circuits by center) that supervise the assignments of giving food, water and (now) repairing and rebuilding homes.

And even that some are without electricity, that doesn't stop them from coming to meetings and field service. Now we have big groups for service, and even for Public Preaching have new volunteers.

Again, thanks for all your prayers, and may Jah bless you with blessings like the one he has given (and keeps giving) us everyday.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-J320A using Tapatalk

[Tortuga]

Thank you so much for the update!

We've missed you and thank Jehovah that you and our PR family are doing better each day.

[hatcheckgirl]

Yes, thank you Brother Juan for updating us.  My heart goes out to you, our family, who are doing it tough.  Your endurance through these trials gives the rest of us reason to appreciate our own situation and not take things for granted, seeing how you all are managing.  Jehovah helps you in a big way, I know.  Much Christian love!