September 13, 2008
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
This time last week we feared that our diocese might be in the direct path of a major hurricane. Instead, Hurricane Ike has brought its devastating winds and flooding to our neighbors in the Caribbean, and has also battered much of Texas and western Louisiana. The catastrophic damage inflicted by this year’s hurricane season is already widespread.
As we give thanks that Southeast Florida has so far been spared the terrible effects of this year’s storms, we need to turn our attention to how we can help alleviate the suffering of our neighbors who are now living in the midst of catastrophic storm damage.
In the past few days I have been in contact with my brother bishops, Zache Duracin of Haiti, Laish Boyd of the Bahamas and Miguel Tamayo of Cuba, hearing directly from them about the urgent needs of their people.
“The whole of Haiti has been affected, a country where the socio-economic situation was already bad,” Bishop Duracin said. “Many people have been left homeless with no food, no clothes, no clean water. Many of our church buildings have been affected or destroyed.”
Bishop Tamayo compares the damage left by the storms to the effects of a war. Hurricane Gustav completely destroyed the Isle of Youth and the western province of Pinar del Rio. Then Hanna hit the northern coast with major storm surge that swept away homes in coastal towns. Then came Ike, “that managed to hit every single province of Cuba.” The storm’s trajectory from east to west devastated everything along its path, the bishop said. Most of Cuba is currently without power or potable water.
Bishop Boyd told me of several churches on the island of Inagua and in the Turks and Caicos that have lost belltowers and roofs. One rectory was completely destroyed, and most homes on Grand Turk and South Caicos suffered substantial damage. Electric power may not be restored until December.
All three of these bishops have told me that the best and most efficient way that we can help them to minister to their people in these terrible circumstances is to provide them with funds.
I know that many of our congregations are already helping through ongoing ministry partnerships with congregations and communities in the Bahamas, Haiti and (in spite of governments) even Cuba, as well as in other parts of the Caribbean and on the Gulf Coast. I commend this response and these partnerships, which are such a vital part of our connection with the worldwide Body of Christ; if you are involved in helping in this way, I urge you to continue.
However, if you have not already responded to this crisis through such a partnership, I am asking that you give as much as you can, as quickly as you can, to help our brothers and sisters, not only in the Caribbean, but also in the parts of our own Gulf Coast that have sustained such great damage from the storms.
Checks should be made payable to:
Episcopal Charities of Southeast Florida,
designated for whichever country or location you feel led to assist, or simply for "Hurricane Relief"
Mail to:
The Episcopal Charities
8895 N. Military Trail, Suite 205-C
Palm beach Gardens, FL 33410.
Donations can also be made online on the diocesan website at
an option is provided for designating a particular storm and/or location
Most important, please continue to support with your prayers everyone affected by Tropical Storm Fay and Hurricanes Gustav, Hanna and Ike, and pray also for guidance and generous hearts in our efforts to help.
Blessings,
+Leo Frade
Bishop, The Episcopal Diocese of Southeast Florida
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