Our time in PR was certainly heartbreaking as well as uplifting all at the same time. While there, we did different outreaches in different communities with 5 of our councils’ churches that are located in PR. These churches have been doing outreaches since Hurricane Maria first hit the island on September 20. These people, who themselves suffered the same loss and tragedy, living in the same conditions mostly still without running water and electricity, have been giving of their time and efforts to those around them. Their selflessness, their desire to bless others and serve the Lord touched our lives in ways we cannot describe.

While there, we were able to visit the elderly and just love on them. We brought them bags filled with snacks and goodies for them to enjoy. We also did an outreach for kids from a community to have a good time and
Enjoy some laughs and entertainment , and then gave them each a book bag filled with school supplies since theirs were all destroyed. We did a water purification outreach, along with a hot meal distribution to a few different communities, handed out bags filled with snacks and supplies up in the mountains, and handed out bags of food and canned goods to homes in a neighborhood near the Manatí river that that had 10 feet of water destroy each home.

All in all, we realized one thing. The people of PR wanted to be heard. As we would knock on doors and hand out the goodies, each person that we encountered wanted to tell their story! They each had that in common. In addition, they all said the same thing. The government or any federal agency has not been here. Some said that we were their first sign of relief, and others said that the churches were the only ones that had shown up in this time of need. This confirms that the collective body of Christ, has been called, for such a time as this!

Hands of God will continue to pray for those affected in Puerto Rico, as well as for the body of Christ as they go out and be the very hands and feet of Jesus. A piece of one of our hearts was left in Puerto Rico! God bless!

Janette