Have had contact with Abaco and Exuma. has no damage and the McQueens are fine. Abaco has some structural damage and lots of water. The steeple was blown off the Church building and much water came in. It has been dried out and a tarp is over the hole. Brethren are doing as well as can be expected. None of the pilots have made it to Palm Beach International from Abaco as yet.
Freeport does not expect power or hotels to open for at least 8 weeks.There is no water, and those with wells are sharing with others. Stores are empty and they are hoping for a re-supply from south Florida? This is all from Freeport Radio which is back on the air.
Hurricane Ivan has hit Granada and Tobago with 140 mph winds. Is heading to Jamaica on Friday ( Winds expected to be 140-150) and then up toward Cuba and Florida and the Bahamas. Best tract now shows it up the west coast of Florida with a 325 mile error cone on each side.
When we can, The Palm Beach Lakes Church in West Palm has offered their building as a staging area for the recovery efforts to the Bahamas. They also have a member with Tropical Shipping. We are in touch with Don Yelton and Church of Christ Emergency Services and indirectly with Healing Hands in Nashville. Also had contact with Ralpha in Ft. Worth, Texas who distribute medical supplies for health providers in damaged areas.
Sister Ella Mae Bothwell mentioned in last report has rare Wagners Disease. Her doctor gave her a good report yesterday in Cayman. They are also in the path of Ivan.
Some Post Office's opened in Florida yesterday. Hot meals are being set up in several locations. Lines for water, ice and MRE's still very long. Supplies are running out before the lines do. Power is still out to millions. Boil water notices are in effect as are curfews. Driving is dangerous with no lights at intersections. Supplies are slowly arriving down jammed roads as those who left are trying to get home.
We will need financial help to aid in recovery in the Islands. If you would like to share:
Checks made to Bahama Mission Church of Christ, sent:
David Caskey-Missions
Gulf Coast Church of Christ
3825 McGregor Blvd.
Ft. Myers, Florida 33901.
Accounting will be done by Danny Osborn CPA.
Pray for all the victims everywhere.
david
Bahama Mission Home Page
http://www.flyingpreacher.com/
Mission Contact
David Caskey
Webmaster
Jerry Pickup
http://www.jpickup.com/
