Hurricane Ike Ripped Through Grand Turk Island
On September 4, 2008, Hurricane Ike hit Grand Turk Island
with winds up to 135 mph (215 km/h) which damage 95% of the buildings on the
island, one-fifth of which was significant damage, making 750 people homeless.
Total damages in the Turks and Caicos Islands were estimated at $500 million.
It
has become known as the worst storm to hit the island. As
you drive around the island today, you see that many buildings have been
restored, almost every telephone pole has been replaced, lots of new roofs… all
except for the Haitian church on the main street. They need help in terms
of finances, skill, and encouragement. I thought we could provide all three of
these things. I don’t want this church to endure the reproach of not being
restored, like we read about the Temple in the Book of Haggi. When the
restoration project sat idle for years it began to look as if God was not able.
I think He is able and that there is a blessing in it for all of us. It has been
estimated to cost about $40,000 for a new steel roof. We are also interested in
sending down teams to help them do the work, working along-side our brothers on
the island. We would stay in Haitian homes, eat Haitian food, and hold evening
meetings in the various Haitian churches on the island. Those who
plan to go are in for a treat!
Our Plan
Our plan is to send teams down to replace the roof, working along side of
Haitian brothers. We would like to do this between mid-February 2012 and
Mid-March. We would like to five teams of five men on the island for about
five-day work stints.
Trip Report
Rick Langstaff and I took his private plane to the island to do some meetings
for the Haitian Church there. Here is a trip report about what we found when we
arrived… click here
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