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.
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