The Church of the Nazarene is actively responding after Hurricane Fiona impacted Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic this past September.
The hurricane with winds of 140 kilometers per hour caused heavy flooding in the southwestern part of Puerto Rico. Many streets were blocked due to falling trees, several municipalities were left without communications, and many houses were completely submerged.
Thousands of people were dislocated and moved to shelters. Additionally, a large percentage of the island was without power and water for several days. Many did not have access to gasoline or grocery stores.
Nazarene pastor, Ivelisse Valentín reported that in Toa Baja, 2,000 families lost all of their belongings.
The church in the country mobilized to gather water, clothes, food, and essential items to take to the communities most affected by the hurricane, such as Cabo Rojo where a Church of the Nazarene is located.
They worked with government leaders to know first-hand the most affected families and some churches opened so people could wash their clothes.
The church in Aguada saw a great need in a residential area with scarce resources since due to the restricted use of gas stoves, people were not able to cook meals until electricity could be restored. So, the church adopted them and cooked food for hundreds of people for four days until power was reestablished. In addition to cooking for and attending to them, the church defrayed the cost of provisions. “Pastor Eddie Pérez and his team have done an excellent job,” said Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM) regional coordinator Dhariana Balbuena.
Further, the South Florida district came together sending a donation to support the church’s response.
In the Dominican Republic, Hurricane Fiona caused strong winds and rain as well, especially in the east and northeast part of the country. These rains produced floods, downed trees and power lines which caused the power outage.
Many people moved to safer areas following damage to their homes.
Five Nazarene churches suffered significant damage and were left uninhabitable, but their congregations continue to gather for worship.
After determining the most affected cities were, the Church of the Nazarene collected essential items such as clothing, food, water, and person al hygiene supplies.
Through NCM, 500 families received: mattresses, sheets, towels, and food, and some families were provided with lodging and gas tanks.
The church continues to mobilize and work to help those most affected. Please continue to pray for those who have suffered the effects of these disasters.
Source: Dhariana Balbuena, Regional MNC Coordinator
