Although the search for victims continues and damage has yet to be assessed, no reports have been received as yet indicating injury or loss of life among the Alliance family as a result of the Hurricane Maria’s devastating impact in Puerto Rico or the 7.1-magnitude earthquake that struck southeast of Mexico City yesterday afternoon.
Both of these disasters have caused catastrophic damage to homes and buildings that will take years to repair and rebuild. At the time of this post, nearly 300 people have perished in Mexico–many of them children–with the death toll expected to rise significantly as recovery efforts continue.
Rev. Javier Gomez, superintendent of the C&MA Puerto Rico District, writes,
We are alive, but it has been too much. There are very violent bursts still at this hour. Puerto Rico is very beaten. It will take us months and a lot of work to get back on our feet. I could not hold back the tears, many people scared and suffering. Basically incommunicado . . . impassable streets . . . Neighbors trapped. We will soon have courage and are praying Ephesians 3. May God make us strong and help us to take this opportunity. At home I see fruits. Thank you for praying.
Please pray:
- that those who remain trapped will be rescued
- for those who have been injured
- who have lost loved ones or have yet to locate them
- for the protection of rescuers and relief workers
- for safety and shelter for those remining in Maria’s path
- that, once again, Christ’s Church will rise to her opportunity to walk lost and hurting people through these crises
Further updates will be posted as reports are received from the affected areas.