When You Pass Through the Waters . . .

You may have heard of the storms which have been drenching Puerto Rico for the past week. Ponce’s usual annual rainfall of 20 inches has been passed in just four days and more rain is in the forecast. Sunday night the rain began, and it didn’t let up all night or most of the day on Monday. Widespread flooding has left many communities inaccessible. Houses, roads, and lives have been lost throughout the island.

The Lord has protected us, though our road was turned into a river. We joked about a small craft advisory being issued for our street. The only effect we have noticed so far is a small leak in our roof. Since our roof is sealed with urethane, this is a matter of concern. We are told that when urethane starts to fail, it basically turns into a sponge. That is not a comforting thought since our roof is flat and several extensive areas appear to be damaged. Until the rain stops and the roof thoroughly dries, there is nothing we can do but pray. Even when dry weather comes, we are not sure how we will address this problem. Worst case scenario is several thousand dollars of repairs. We will pray for a more economical solution and will appreciate your prayers to that end.

The church did well through the storms. Very little damage occurred outside of the church’s mission apartment. The metal roof leaked rather badly, damaging if not ruining the queen-size bed. We cleaned the room today and more rain arrived this evening. We eventually hope to put a cement roof in this area, but temporary repairs must be undertaken immediately. We are very grateful for the roof over the cafeteria. It kept out almost all of the water. What did get in was cleaned up with a mop in a minute or two. Considering all the damage throughout the island, we are extremely thankful for the protecting hand of God upon us.

The rain has delayed Julia’s treatment (see previous blog entry). The doctor now plans to place artificial veins in her left leg to resolve the circulation problems on Thursday (tomorrow). This is a far better prognosis than the amputation which was planned. I hope to have good news tomorrow, but keep praying for her.

Pressing Health Needs

One of our church members is facing an urgent need. Julia has known the Lord for about 20 years. Until recently, she has been extremely faithful in her attendance. For the past three months she has had a foot ailment. It seems that the circulation in her left foot has been seriously impaired. Today she was admitted to a local hospital where doctors plan is to amputate her foot on Thursday unless something extraordinary occurs. She is in good spirits, but this will certainly be a difficult time for her.

Another recent addition to our church is Danny. He has been battling cancer for the past 6 years. His appetite is almost gone and his hemoglobin keeps dropping. He has received transfusions several times in the last few months. He was admitted to the hospital once again today. Blood is in short supply and most of us have already donated blood recently. Pray that the Lord will encourage Danny and use his situation to reach several family members and friends who are still unsaved.

Earlier this month, one of our teachers left the island to help meet the needs of her mother in Florida. She expected to be gone for about one month. It now appears that her stay will be at least double that time. Bill has been filling in for her since no one else was really prepared to step into the classroom. It has been a challenge to fit this unexpected work load into an already full schedule. Pray for wisdom to order each day so that the important things will be done and that the ministry here will not be hindered by either sickness or exhaustion.

We are confident that the Lord has a specific answer to each of these requests. Our wisdom points out seemingly obvious solutions, but His way is often different and always wise. Our first desire is that lives would be transformed by the Gospel. Our counsel for each person in need is to trust the Lord for His gracious provision, so that is what we are doing as well. Thank you for your prayers.