This just in from our trip to Grand Turk:
On September 7th, 2008, a Category 4 Hurricane named Ike ripped through the small country of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI). During the storm, BMH was busy preparing for disaster relief on the island of Inagua which is less than a 100 miles from TCI. On our first trip to Inagua we also did an assesment on Grand Turk and South Caicos, the damage from the storm was enormous. We worked for over a month in Inagua but were unable to return to TCI to start any relief. That was then…
This is now…
On February 3rd, 2009, I returned from an overnight trip to Grand Turk and I am saddened by my report that I send to you now. There are still homes with no power, running water, bathroom facilities or roofs. The situation in Grand Turk is not good. When I met with a government official over dinner last night I asked her how many volunteer home repair work teams had been to the island since September and she commented, “Not a one, that’s why we’re so happy that you [BMH] are here. You will be and are welcomed with open arms and the families you work with will be so appreciative!”
The Turks and Caicos are hurting and Bahamas Methodist Habitat has to and is doing something about it. We have a small team that is now on the ground setting up projects and making arrangements for volunteers to come and serve on TCI. Our team is made up of Kenrick “KP” Pearce and Emily Bagwell, BMH Construction Coordinator and Long Term Volunteer, along with local volunteers Linda Lowdermilk and Ken Henderson. Our next trip to Grand Turk will be on Saturday February 8th. We will be taking five more volunteers to the island to be a fresh set up hands and feet to love others in a real and tangible way through emergency home repair.
To Volunteer:
We did not expect the severity of the situation to be this bad nor have the need for a large team to join us in our efforts, but the need is great and the workers are few. If you are interested in volunteering your time and energy and have a flexible schedule please contact us as soon as possible so that we can help arrange your trip. Our initial team is aligning what little housing is available for our volunteers but we will need to know asap what our possible volunteer numbers will be. We look forward to hearing from you very soon.
To Donate:
If you are not able to volunteer your time, your financial support would be greatly appreciated as well. Your contribution could help transport another willing volunteer to Grand Turk or buy materials for a family’s home. Gifts of every size are needed.
Click here to Donate
Please continue to pray for person’s still living in storm ravaged homes throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands and BMH’s efforts to help relieve and rebuild TCI.
