Puerto Rico (MNN) — Shortly after
Hurricane Irene's visit to Puerto Rico, Tropical Storm Maria dropped in for an extended stay.
Don Ten Hoeve with
Grace Ministries International says, "Tropical
Storm Maria just kind of sat over the Ponce area and didn't ever reach
hurricane strength, but it did cause more damage than hurricane Irene did. It tore
off roofing over one of our walkways by our dining hall, and then that roof flew
across and damaged a children's play area."
GMI has an active ministry presence in the south of the island. "The property we're talking about
is a year-round youth camp and retreat ministry. We run camps and retreats during
the summer and then retreats all year
long, during the school year and on weekends. We also rent it out to other church
groups."
GMI was spared damage from Irene, but heavy rainfall is complicating a
few things. "Most
of our property is under water," Ten Hoeve explains, adding, "That's kind of typical for this time
of year, but it hasn't caused damage in our buildings yet."
Although power outages are scattered over the region, "It
won't interrupt ministry. It'll just cause extra work for people who work in
maintenance; it's probably a $5,000 project to repair."
September is usually the heaviest hurricane month in Puerto
Rico. Ten Hoeve says, "The hurricane season has a long way to
go. We're right in that hurricane
alley that is a constant threat. Pray for protection. Pray for the staff that
will have a heavier work load preparing for each upcoming storm."
Please pray that no more damage will be done to the
camp property by tropical storms or hurricanes this season. Pray also that God will provide the funds
to make the repairs.
