Sandy definitely did a number in Cuba last week. Actually, Sandy wrecked havoc on several Caribbean Islands as well as a lot of us in the northeast. But since I’m headed to Cuba today, let me tell you about what I’ve heard from Cuba.

 

In the wake of the devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy last Thursday, the Cuban State has declared Santiago de Cuba, Cuba’s second largest city, “unrecognizable” and a “disaster”. According to mission partners in Santiago, 70% of buildings in the city have suffered damages mainly to roofs and walls. There is no electricity, food is scarce and increasingly expensive, and basic supply stores are quickly running out of supplies. The power is expected to be out for as long as a month, which means that potable water will also be unavailable.

 

Santiago was not the only city affected; other cities including Bayamo and Holguin were also directly in the path of destruction. The force of the hurricane was felt across the entire island and other regions are still flooded from the heavy rains last week.

 

In spite of the crisis Cuba is facing, I’ve also heard a few stories of hope. Let me share a few:

 

One church, 4^th Baptist of Santiago, has lost its roof and several walls. In spite of the damages, 4^th Baptist has a generator and is allowing community members to charge cell phones, flashlight batteries, and other electronics. They have a television running so that the community can see the news while they wait.

 

35 Eastern Cuba Baptist Convention churches in the Santiago area have opened community kitchens where those who have lost food or cooking supplies can come and receive a hot meal.

 

My visit over the next few weeks is to the Baptist Fraternity, whose headquarters are in Havana. The Fraternity was supposed to be holding it’s Annual Meeting this weekend. Instead, the Fraternity has decided to cancel the event and use the funds needed they would have used on the event to provide immediate assistance to those most in need across the country.

 

Please pray for Cuba this week, and all those affected by Sandy as they recover from the rains, flooding, and loss of homes and loved ones. 

To send relief to the people of Cuba and elsewhere in the Caribbean that were affected by Hurricane Sandy, click here.

To read additional journals and news stories about the devastation in the Caribbean, click here.   

 

With you on the journey,

Kim

P.S. Photos were emailed by an individual from the Holguin area. Lack of electricity in Santiago has made email extremely limited in Santiago.