As of today, we’ve not heard of any GCI members in affected areas who experienced significant property loss or any loss of life. For this we are grateful, knowing how horrendous the damage was (see the pictures). We ask for continuing prayer for all who are suffering and grieving.
Here are prayer requests and updates received at the GCI home office concerning Sandy’s aftermath. If you know of others, please send them using the comments feature on this page.
- Maureen Warkentin who works at GCI headquarters in Glendora reported that a woman from Bank of America in New Jersey called (on a separate matter) and reported that GCI pastor Tony Caputo was seen “visiting all the shelters [in New Jersey] after the big storm and helping lots of people.” Let’s pray for Tony and others like him who are on the front lines of the relief effort.
- GCI district pastor David Gilbert reports that his electricity is back after a week. He visited Staten Island where there was horrendous damage and asks that we pray for all affected there.
- GCI pastor and church planter Mary Bacheller who lives on Staten Island thanks God that her home was undamaged. Please do pray that electricity will be restored soon to the church where the new church plant meets–they are anxious to seek the Lord together.
- GCI district pastor Larry Wooldridge reports that he reached most members of his church in Stratford, Connecticut, which is near the shoreline. All seem OK, and he and his wife Connie are thankful that power has been restored at their home.
- GCI district pastor Timothy Brassell reports that all has been well among members in the Baltimore area, though the hurricane narrowly missed them. There have been power outages in the area and some flooding.
- GCI Rhode Island pastor Luciano Cozzi reports that most of this congregations’ members are fine, with no significant damage to their homes, though he’s been unable to contact some members living on the coastline—they evacuated before the storm hit and have not been reached. The Rhode Island coastline experienced extensive property damage, but not as dramatic as the damage farther south.
John and Sophia Stonick lost their home on Staten Island; Artur Pereira’s home was flooded as were two of his cars. Some are still without power as I write with hopes that it will be restored this week or next. There is another “Nor-easter” storm coming our way today and people in low-lying areas have been asked to evacuate.
I am glad to report that we have been able to contact our members who live in the Rhode Island coast line. They are all fine, and only suffered some property damage (but not as serious as in other locations). Others along the coastline reported being spared. In one case a nursing home that was expected to flood was totally spared, as the flood waters took a different path. We thank God for everyone’s safety, and our prayers go to those who have been affected more severely.
Our prayers are with you at this horrendous time. God bless you and give you strength, from the Edinburgh congregation, Scotland