1. Mission to Puerto Rico
November 2017 Foro

2. 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

3. 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)

4. 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.

5. 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)

6. 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

7. New Folks on the Ground
Bill Lohmeyer
Gustavo Maita
Natalie Howard

8. 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

9. The Five: A Take Away