As U.S. braces for Irene, Christians in Bahamas survey damage

A view of Hurricane Irene as it approaches the islands of the Bahamas (photo from NOAA)

Hurricane Irene, currently headed for the Carolinas, passed through the islands of the Bahamas Thursday night, dumping rain and closing airports.
“Flying preacher” David Caskey, a longtime missionary to the Bahamas, sent a report this morning about the storm’s effects. (See our profile of his ministry and Churches of Christ in the Bahamas from 2006.)
Irene was only the third hurricane since 1866 to impact all 29 islands of the Bahamas, Caskey said.
Some highlights from his report:
• Nassau, capital of the Bahamas, received rain and wind damage but was 100 miles from the center of the storm.
• Terrance Baker, a member of the Marsh Harbour Church of Christ on the Abaco islands, contacted Caskey via cell phone and said that there were no deaths or injuries there. “There are a lot of trees down and a lot of roof damage,” Caskey said. “Many of the members will have to get new shingles and some plywood to make repairs. The runway in Marsh Harbour is cleared, but standing water has kept the airport from opening. It is thought that the water may go down in the next day or so. There is no electricity or water and the phone service is still down.”
• Cat Island, in the central Bahamas, “had every power pole knocked down, and there was a lot of roof damage,” Caskey said. “I am sure that some of our members are involved. There are no reports of deaths or injuries, but we have not had direct contact.”

“Flying preacher” David Caskey and his wife, Dinah (photo via www.flyingpreacher.com)

• Irene knocked out power and water on Long Island, south of Cat Island, according to Donald Burrows, preacher for a Church of Christ there. “All members are safe,” Caskey said. “There was about three feet of mud and water in the church building, which they have already cleaned up. The roof  of the building will have to be replaced with plywood and shingles.” Burrows asked for a chain saw to clear trees around members’ homes.
• Caskey has been unable to contact Lincoln Young, minister for a Church of Christ on the island of Eleuthera, an
about 50 miles east of Nassau.
“We do not know the extent of needs right now,” Caskey said, “but do know that funds will be needed to aid our brethren with roofing and most likely with food and water after stockpiles are exhausted.”
Contributions for Bahamas relief may be sent to:
David Caskey — Missions
c/o Gulf Coast Church of Christ
9550 Ben C. Pratt/Six Mile Cypress Pkwy.
Fort Myers, FL 33966
Make checks payable to “Bahama Missions Hurricane Relief”
Are you in Irene’s path? What preparations are you making? What is your prayer for the East Coast as it braces for the hurricane?

• Feedback
  Please keep me informed about Marsh Harbor. I love the people and would like to know more about what I could do to help. I plan to go to a Christian Retreat in Treasur Cay in September, but could go sooner if needed.Praise the Lord there are no ddeathes.
  Glenda L Ball

  Glenda L Ball

  August, 26 2011

  The Martin Luther King memorial was postponed and most of the Northeast United States was on Hurricane lock down, but Ed Maxwell, minister of the Suitland Road Church of Christ, kept busy ferrying bibles, song books and other items to the Washington Hilton in preparation for �the Crusade for Christ.�
  �This crusade effort was made possible because of the sacrifice of so many people who save up their vacation time each year so that they can knock on doors and spread the word of the Lord,� said Maxwell, the local organizer of a national event that has been planned for this area for years.

  Hamil Harris

  August, 26 2011

  We live in Hampstead, NC and are pretty much in the thick of it, or will be when it hits land here around 5 or 6 AM). Already the winds are howling and ripping through trees blowing down limbs (a big one 6″ round has already landed in our back yard). We do not live on the water, but about 6 miles from it. Many NC beaches, from Wilmington, North, have been evacuated. The biggest threat is water damage – flash floods, washed out roads, undermining foundations, etc. Of course the wind raises threats; flying debris breaking windows, blown-off roof shingles, falling tree limbs, etc, We are (relatively) new here – 1-1/2 yrs ago from WA State, but understand it’s been nearly a decade since a hurricane has touched down here. Go figure!
  Oh well, let it come! We have faith in God and we’re prepared. Whatever happens has happened before. If things get difficult, with God’s help, we will weather this storm too. Our area has great warning systems in place and many response teams stand ready to aid those impacted.

  Bob Carreiro

  August, 26 2011

  I live on Long Island and the storm is projected to arrive early Sunday AM. My prayer is that Long Island would become stronger in their faith and rely on God for ALL things. I am not concerned for myself as I will be protected, if it is God’s will.

  Jay Roback

  August, 27 2011

  The Washington Hilton is filled with members of the church who have ignored weather reports about Hurricane Irene and are sporting yellow and green shirts that read Crusade For Christ. One 81 year old man came from New York with his family because he has never missed this mass event which hundreds of church members will be dispatch across the area to door knock, pass out tracks and win souls for the Lord for the next five days.

  Hamil Harris

  August, 27 2011

  My prayers are with everyone that has been affected by Irene. I hope that all of the Lord’s people are safe and sound. May the Lord continue to watch over you and keep you safe day and night!
  Love and Blessings Always!

  Keya Dacus

  August, 30 2011