(From missionaries Tim & Kathleen Watson):
On September 1, Hurricane Dorian made landfall only a few miles away from us on the beautiful island of Elbow Key. It then continued on a path of destruction unlike anything we’ve ever seen or experienced in the Bahamas.
The first photo below is a picture of our apartment building. There is significant roof and water damage to our home, and we fared far, far better than most. The second image is looking over to the downtown area of Marsh Harbour.
Figure 1
Figure 2
As you can see, the destruction is absolutely catastrophic, with most buildings, businesses, and homes severely damaged or, more likely, destroyed. Infrastructure on the island has all but been wiped out. It will take months to restore that alone, and years to rebuild. This is a long, long process. Please continue to pray and don’t stop for a long time.
The property of Agape Christian School has also been severely damaged. There was severe damage to the high school, with chunks of missing roof and plenty of water damage. The Primary School has sustained significant damage to the roof and structure, and might be facing a complete rebuild. The church roof has completely collapsed in, causing devastating damage.
Please be in prayer for the following things, plus more:
- For Kathleen and I (Tim) as we seek God’s will for our future. Things are very uncertain, and we have no plans to make any major decisions until things calm down. Our hearts are still in Abaco, with the ministry of the school and the people. Pray that God grants us wisdom to go in the direction he has for us, no matter what direction that may be.
- Pray for Kathleen and I, as we left home with very few items of clothing and have now lost our income.
For ALL the affected areas: Man O War, Marsh Harbour, Dundas Town, Murphy Town, Guana Cay, Elbow Cay, For humanitarian relief efforts. There will be many, many trips that need to take place to aid those involved. - For those who are facing quarantine due to disease and other medical issues.
- For the evacuations (some forced) and for the many who are either choosing to stay, or have no other recourse to leave.
- For the church and school leadership as they have major decisions ahead of them, and for the necessary funds to rebuild if they choose to continue the ministries of the school and church (and we hope they do).
- For Kevin Malone, myself, and a few others as we are hoping to get to Abaco in the weeks to come and offer assistance to those who remain.