Turks and Caicos Islands suffered massive damage as a result of the recent hurricanes that blew through the low-lying islands. The hurricanes created widespread flooding, destroyed 90 percent of roofs in Grand Turk and South Caicos, downed power lines, and disrupted the water supply. Residents are in need of food, clean water, and shelter.
ADRA-UK is working closely with ADRA International to establish if we can provide emergency assistance to the islands. Our current information is that the local ADRA representation is preparing a proposal for initial funding. ADRA-UK has indicated to the network that it is ready to contribute to the ADRA relief intervention.
This week we received a report from Pastor Richard Jackson who recently left the North England Conference to serve in the Turks and Caicos Mission:
"'The Lord's our Rock in Him we hide, a shelter in the time of storm.' This was our faith as we braced to experience the powerful category 4 Hurricane Ike as it passed through the Turks and Caicos Islands on Saturday night, 6 September. The sound of the howling wind and the unfriendly roar of the sea had made us realise that we were in for a haunting night.
After the passing of the hurricane, we went to the different islands to assess the damage. The islands of Grand Turk and South Caicos suffered the brunt of Hurricane Ike and sustained enormous damage. More that eighty percent of Grand Turk has been damaged, the figure rising to more than ninety percent in South Caicos. Pastor Peter Kerr, President of the Turks and Caicos Mission lost part of his roof. Many church members also suffered greatly from Hurricane Ike as their homes were flooded, and roofs ripped off. Some members completely lost everything as their houses collapsed during the passing of the hurricane.
On South Caicos the schools were demolished and immense flooding caused residents to seek alternative shelter. Many roofs were ripped off as well as houses crumbled to the ground. Most of the power lines were down and trees littered the road. South Caicos is the fishing capital of the Turks and Caicos Islands so many fishermen suffered great loss as their boats where nowhere to be found.
Our church buildings in both Grand Turk and South Caicos had minor damages. On the other islands the buildings are intact. Amidst the damage and ruin the hurricane had caused, we are rejoicing today that no lives were lost during this treacherous disaster. God has really been good to us and we continue to sing His praises.
The aftermath of Hurricane Ike has left us with many homeless members, many needs to care for. There are members of our church who are in need of items such as clothing, linen, household items, and standby generators. If you desire to make any contribution please contact: Pastor Royston Smith, 07837199941; Wednesfield Seventh-day Adventist church, 01902865471 or Clive Ferguson, 07877997735. Financial donations are also needed. For further information please contact Pastor Royston Smith.
The 1,767 members of the Turks and Caicos Mission of Seventh-day Adventists, along with the 37,000 population, thank you for providing assistance in their time of need."
