On Oct. 11, Amanda and Steve Pettit, pastors in the Church of the Nazarene, trav eled to Dominica to bring aid after Hurricane Maria devastated the island. They sent to following report on the status of the church and church buildings.
Gaulette River and Bataca Churches of the Nazarene
The family of Pastor Richie Olive, of the Gualette River Church of the Nazarene, lost their home. The church building was seriously damaged and is now without a roof or windows. The furniture was also severely damaged.
The Bataca Church of the Nazarene was also seriously damaged and now has no roof. The photos demonstrate the state of the classrooms and library.
Bioche Church of the Nazarene and its NCM Center
The Bioche Church of the Nazarene also suffered great damage. The roof was completely destroyed and the furniture inside was damaged.
The NCM Center, a recent construction (shown in the pictures to the left of the chapel with white windows) was not damaged. It is to the glory of God that the church remains active.
The Barbados District has helped the church by sending supplies. The photo shows the NCM Center before and after the arrival of help from the Barbados District. “It’s so beautiful to see the Barbadians sending boats full of provisions to the Dominicans,” Steve Pettit said.
The Church of the Nazarene and community of Pichlin
The community of Pichlin was terribly hit by the hurricane. Before the storm there were 19 homes close to the church building. Now there are 4. The government put an X in this small community, which means that they will not allow any homes in this area in the future and any remaining inhabitants must move. “After this and the terrible damage, I don’t foresee the church building being rebuilt in this place,” Steve Pettit said.
The photo demonstrates a bit of how the community looks near the church building.
We must continue to pray for the church in Dominica and for the reconstruction of their homes and church buildings.
Source: Rev. Carlos Saenz, Mesoamerica Regional Director
Donate: https://give.nazarene.org/donate/f/128313
