Temple Talk Kelly Thurber Mission: Puerto Rico

16 Months Later… Power restored to all residents on the island of Puerto Rico—December 2018. Potable water is still lacking. Rebuilding of roads, bridges, homes, hospitals, schools and churches continues…

The Affected … Every single church congregation was affected by the hurricane. Many of them flooded--losing hymnals, bibles, musical instruments, and more. Physical and emotional isolation across the island among the people is all too real. The support, comfort, strength and faith that comes from their church homes is needed.

Hope Prevails! Immediately after the storm church members and friends went out delivering supplies and coordinated many young adult-led community service events. Pastors continue to persist and live out their call as ministers of the gospel for their church and their beloved community. And Lutheran Disaster Relief (LDR)—working with churches on the island to provide food, water, and essentials to residents who lost everything.

ELCA congregations are helping: And here at home, ELCA congregations are helping: “Building Puentes” means building bridges. An ongoing joint ministry between the ELCA Caribbean Synod, congregations, and the ELCA Metro DC Synod

2018 Trips Efforts Have Included: Clean Up Rebuilding Engaging the Community

During the season of Epiphany we celebrate the light of the world that has broken through the darkness of our lives and our world. And so, on Epiphany Sunday all the congregations of the Metro DC Synod Are invited to lift up the mission of “Building Puentes” It’s just the beginning!

This we can do together, in Jesus’ name. We will build connections and true relationships. We will help in relief efforts that not only rebuild concrete structures, but will also rebuild the spirit of our neighbors, friends, and fellow citizens of the Caribbean. We’ll organize work trips and develop new and organic ways to connect and live into our mutual call to follow the light no darkness can overcome. This we can do together, in Jesus’ name.

Join Us in 2019 Adults & Youth 14+