Now That the Dust Is Beginning to Settle

That statement is not to be taken literally, of course. Dust is not something we've had much of recently. There's been enough rain off and on to keep mud-covered roads from generating dust; the dust will come later.

But in a figurative sense, the initial shock of the disaster is over, the new "normalcy" I mentioned in a previous post has begun to set in. Attendance Sunday was up to our previous levels, with the church house full Sunday night. We now begin to take stock of what real needs there are around us, and particularly, the ones we should seek to meet.

Other needs will become evident in time, but at the moment here are the ones we are most aware of among our church members:

Sister Fernanda--widow who lives on her small pension, member since 1989. Her ground floor dwelling had about 6" (15 cm) of water that ruined the flooring in the hallway, living room and bedrooms. (The kitchen and bathrooms have ceramic tile floors). Her floor is the floating tongue-and-groove type, imitation wood made of a compressed paper material. The planks soak up the water, opening joints between them, and swell, so that doors don't close properly. The damp material will begin to rot and be a breeding ground for molds and bacteria. Sis. Fernanda has always liked the type of vinyl rubber imitation oak flooring we have in the church. It is waterproof and practically indestructible. Bro. José Carlos spoke with the dealer, who has offered to provide the material and installation for about 1/2 the normal price. Estimate: €3600 (approx. US$5000). Fernanda insists that there are others who need help more than she does, but the church feels it is not just an issue of interior decorating, but a health issue that will only get worse.

José Luís and Sónia--This family was baptized last year in May. They live in Ribeira Brava, the second-hardest hit town on the island. Fortunately they have been able to return to their apartment, with all the utilities restored. Unfortunately, Sónia's car was inundated, and it is currently in the shop to be cleaned and put back in running condition. Estimate: €200-300 (US$280-420).

Some family members of some of the church members were also affected. The son of one of our members was parked in an underground parking lot that flooded, and the sister of another member had over a foot of water in her house, which suffered structural damage. The house was rented and she will eventually be provided with housing. At that time there will be a need for some furniture and appliances. The nephew's car was buried in rocks and mud up to the roof, but after being carefully excavated, it was discovered to have only a scratch here and there, with no dents or broken glass, lights or grill. The mechanic cleaned the engine and it's running as good as new. As the Lord provides and gives direction, we will help those needs we become aware of.

Should you feel led to help, this is the bank account information for the special fund the church has set up for those who have suffered losses:

Name of Account Holder: Igreja Baptista do Funchal
Bank transfers within Portugal,
NIB: 0007 0000 00701673266 23

International Bank Transfers:
IBAN: PT50 0007 0000 0070 1673 2662 3
SWIFT/BIC: BESCPTPL


As I mentioned in an earlier post, we are not actively raising funds, but we will seek God's will to wisely use what funds others feel led to give, and believe that He will show us the needs in accordance with the gifts received.