Nearly EVERY part of Cuba has been drastically impacted by two deadly hurricanes that ripped through the island in the period of one week. Gustav has all but destroyed the Isla of Pinos / Isla de la Juventud in Western Cuba as it hit just short of a Category 5 Hurricane (highest level possible) with 140 mph winds with gusts measured at 212 mph! This was followed by Ike slamming into the Eastern Coast of Holguin province as a category 3 hurricane pushing a storm surge with waves that literally crashed over 5 story buildings! (see video). Ike worked it’s way through he center of Cuba and is currently assaulting the already devastated Western portion. Here in Miami (over 300 miles away) we are feeling the wind and rain effects of Ike’s outer bands.
Over the years Claudia and I have enjoyed the hospitality of numerous pastors throughout the island and specifically in the province of Holguin, the majority of whose homes were little more than tin shacks with no window or door closures whatsoever. I can only imagine the devastation to what little they possess.
Before losing communication during Ike’s onslaught I received a few e-mails from some of the pastors we work with:
Dear Brother Kevin, may the Lord richly bless you;
I want to inform you that here in Cuba we are going through a very difficult time. In less than 8 days we have been punished by two very large hurricanes, first Gustav and right now Ike is pounding on our churches and homes. This latest hurricane is attacking the center of the island with devastating effects through the Eastern provinces like Baracoa, Maisí, Holguin, Moa, Tunas, Camaguey and now continuing West. In these Eastern provinces we have around 115 Baptist Churches that attend the over 9,600 members. I am praying that God would guard each of their lives.
At this point we do not have any official news as to the losses as the storm is still full force, and many of the provinces have lost all communication. Government officials in the office that attends to religious matters have simply communicated to us that the situation is “very delicate”. Ike has already covered some 750 KM (466 miles) as it continues advancing Westward through the center of the country with winds now slowing to 155 km/hr (96 mph) from the category 3 (130 mph winds) that first came onshore. In the province of Santiago where we live the rain has not yet done excessive damage, but I am starting to receive reports that many of our churches in the outlying regions have been very badly damaged.
I continue praying for the Biblical seminar, and at this time we count on your prayers for us as well. Our people are in great need of God’s mercy. We will be in contact whenever possible.
In Christ; Reverend “Alex”
Please keep these brothers and sisters in your prayers as they confront natural disasters without the resources or infrastructure we enjoy here in the US, and please keep our ministry in your prayers as we seek to assist the Cuban church through our ongoing programs as well as along side of other partner ministries responding to the urgent needs they now face.
If you would like to make donations to any of these programs please do so through our website. If you would like to specifically designate gifts to hurricane relief please contact me as we are still assessing the damage and the best way to do so considering US and Cuban laws.
For Links to Ongoing Programs:
Cuban Pastor's Conference
Cuban Pastoral Resources
For more hurricane pictures see:
Cuba Hurricane Images.
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