Mission to Puerto Rico November 2017 Foro

Things Have Changed Since Last We Met… As of October 20, 2017: 1 million people without power 35% of households have no access to safe water Potential for disease is increasing 60,000 homes without functional roofs Sporadic and unreliable internet and phone

Things Have Changed (con’t) Rev. Matthew Ruesch leaving as of Nov. 17 Some leaders of Principe de Paz off-island Building mortgage down to under $10,000 Desire to assist has increased exponentially In donations (LCMS – DR) In time (volunteers and short-term teams)

What Hasn’t Changed St-Onge remains Area Facilitator Principe de Paz stands strong Schullers remain in Ponce LAC remains committed Christ’s mercy remains And behold I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Y he aquí yo estoy con vosotros todos los días, hasta el fin del mundo. Amén.

What Happens Now? “Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.” (Acts 11:27-30)

What Happens Now? (con’t) Spread the Gospel Plant Lutheran Churches Show Mercy The “mission” hasn’t changed, only the way we will be moving it forward

New Folks on the Ground Bill Lohmeyer Gustavo Maita Natalie Howard

New Work on the Ground Show Mercy Spreading the Gospel Distribution of food and water for immediate needs Helping with reconstruction to meet long term needs Spreading the Gospel Christ tied the showing of mercy to the preaching of the Gospel Our work of mercy is an end tied to the end of eternal care as well An opening with the head start program Plant Lutheran Churches Opportunities are already developing Contacts in Aguadilla; engage in Ponce; find new communities

The Five: A Take Away