Hurricane Mitch
"You are the only ones who braved the roads
to help us"
One of the worst storms in two centuries struck Central America
on October 26, 1998. During the six days Hurricane Mitch battered
Nicaragua, winds of 180-200 m.p.h., accompanied by torrential rain,
created flash floods and mud flows that demolished the homes, crops
and cattle of tens of thousands of people. Even more devastating
was the loss of human life, estimated at 11,000.
Larry and Bev Smith, Executive Administrator for Central America
and the Caribbean, traveled to Nicaragua for two weeks in November
to distribute goods purchased by donations sent to ABWE's Nicaragua
Relief Fund. In addition to large amounts of clothing, the Smiths
supplied 19 churches in the mountains with
- 11,000 pounds of rice;
- 4,000 pounds of beans;
- 2,000 pounds of sugar;
- 5,000 pounds of corn;
- 145 zinc roofing sheets; and
- medicines to treat cholera, malaria,
and other diseases brought on by contaminated water and the standing
mud and waste that
blanketed the country.
Larry and Bev thank God for keeping them
safe: roads and bridges had washed away, and bandits patrolled
the roadways, making travel
both difficult and dangerous. Nicaraguan churches expressed heartfelt
thanks on receiving the relief goods. Some said, "You are
the only ones who braved the roads to help us."
Thank YOU for your gifts which made this possible!
|
 |
