Churches Essential to Relief Efforts in Mexico, Puerto Rico, Says NHCLC, Convoy of Hope
Churches are an essential part of the recovery process for Puerto Rico and Mexico, say representatives from the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference and Convoy of Hope regarding reconstruction efforts in the two countries following this month's earthquakes and Hurricane Maria.
On a teleconference held Wednesday afternoon, NHCLC President, the Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, spoke about the launch of a charity effort called "Puerto Rico and Mexico Rise Up," which seeks to equip churches to help communities in Mexico and Puerto Rico recover from the recent natural disasters.
"This is our campaign on behalf of our churches, on behalf of our chapters and our networks, both here in the States and outside of the States for that matter," Rodriguez said.
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In an interview with The Christian Post, Rodriguez explained that the newly launched campaign was working through churches because they are an important channel for relief.
"If we can equip the churches, then these churches can restore the communities. These churches know the communities more than we know the communities," said Rodriguez.
"We believe these are the institutions ordained by God to bring Good News to the poor and to quench the thirsty and feed the hungry."
Convoy of Hope spokesperson Jeff Nene, who was also on the call to describe some of his group's experiences on the ground in Puerto Rico, agreed about the essential value of local congregations in helping relief efforts.
"We have found that the local church is the best source for volunteers. They can marshal a team together on a moment's notice," said Nene to CP.
"And what that allows us to do is come in with a very small team from Convoy of Hope, like in Puerto Rico right now we have four people, and in Mexico we have two that are arriving today, and they're there to give guidance and direction and organization. But the local church does the work."
Rodriguez's and Nene's comments came as part of a teleconference call in which they provided updates on the relief efforts in Mexico City and Puerto Rico.
On Sept. 19, Mexico City experienced a severe earthquake that has thus far resulted in hundreds of deaths and caused dozens of buildings to collapse.
"Nearly 4,000 buildings were damaged by the quake, and residents of high-rises wonder if their buildings may fall before they can make their way downstairs," The New York Times reported on Monday.
"And over the weekend, the trauma of last Tuesday was brought to the surface again as light tremors from an earthquake in southern Mexico on Saturday lightly rocked the capital, sending residents fleeing into the streets barefoot and in sleepwear."
Around the same time as the Mexico earthquake, Hurricane Maria struck the island of Puerto Rico, resulting in widespread destruction and power outages.
"About 97 percent of the island's 3.4 million residents are still in the dark Wednesday," CNN reported on Wednesday. "About half of the residents do not have running water."
Nene told those on the call about the things that Convoy of Hope was doing in Puerto Rico, having just returned from the island, where a team arrived on Monday.
"They already started on pulling together warehousing. They've already purchased 20,000 pounds of rice, have another 20,000 pounds coming. Tomorrow we have a C-130 full of supplies that's going to be landing and also another private plane with supplies and people," explained Nene.
"And then on top of that, three containers that will be leaving via ship this week to head down there will be there in just a couple of weeks. So we've got a great head start in Puerto Rico already."
In addition to Rodriguez and Nene, other participants on the call included New York City Councilman Fernando Cabrera, Latin contemporary Christian music artist and author Christine D'Clario, NHCLC Executive Vice President of Governmental Affairs the Rev. Tony Suarez, and Bishop Angel Marcial of Church of God for Southeast Region U.S.
When asked by CP about any cooperation with the Trump administration, Rodriguez responded that he had gotten "very significant reports" from the White House about the number of federal first responders and FEMA workers on the ground.
"I'm grateful for the Trump administration as it pertains to helping the island recover. They have had some logistical issues. That's how horrific this has been — that our federal government has had issues even in distribution and other areas," Rodriguez added.
"I have received very good cooperation from this administration in addressing the concerns and needs. And they likewise stand committed to working with the faith community in Puerto Rico for rebuilding Puerto Rico."
