Six weeks after Tropical Storm Noel, people were still displaced from their homes and living in shelters.  On December 11, 2007, they faced another setback as Tropical Storm Olga began to pound the already rain soaked country.  Olga raced across Puerto Rico and the island of Hispaniola (Dominican Republic and Haiti) requiring many to once again flee from their homes.  

Throughout the country, 18 bridges were damaged, 12 lives were lost, and crops were destroyed.  In the Dominican Republic, the city of Bonao was prepared for the two-day storm, which dumped up to 10 additional inches of rain.  With shelters still in place and full of people, they prepared for the additional needs caused by the persistent rain and rising rivers.  

District Superintendent Carlos De la Cruz (Northeast District) visited one shelter occupied by almost 40 families.  As he distributed Crisis Care Kits, he learned an additional 200 people would call this shelter their home by the end of the day.  

What was his response?  He returned in the evening with more Crisis Care Kits and the JESUS Film.  

During Tropical Storm Noel, Pastor De la Cruz led the evangelical churches in a citywide revival.  Many people came to know the Lord as their personal Savior.  In times of loss, devastation and fear, people need both physical and spiritual help.  Giving a little bag filled with basic items, showing the JESUS film, having a revival, and sharing God’s love with people is how this pastor is the hands and feet of Jesus Christ in the city of Bonao, Dominican Republic.  

Persons and churches wishing to help with the on-going relief efforts can do so online at www.ncm.org, or they may mark their checks “ACM1249 Caribbean Hurricane Relief” and mail them to Global Treasury Services, Nazarene Global Ministry Center, 17001 Prairie Star Parkway Lenexa, KS 66220. In Canada, checks should be made payable and sent to the Church of the Nazarene Canada, 20 Regan Road, Unit 9, Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3.