Tropical storm Ernesto is heading toward Belize, and your prayers are needed.
Along with our regular staff based in Belize, Adrienne Parcher (Executive Program Director) is in Belize with 15 volunteer teachers. They are leading the second week of the annual Teacher Training Conference.
Unfortunately, Adrienne Parcher has just received word from the Ministry of Education that all training programs are being cancelled so people can prepare for the storm. There were 74 Belizean teachers attending this week, but unfortunately they will all be dismissed.
The authorities believe Ernesto could easily become a hurricane. I have inserted an image from the National Hurricane Center that shows how it is headed directly for Belize.
Antonio Bol, the Jaguar Creek Facilities Director, says that the trees around the property have been weakened by a previous hurricane and are susceptible to falling in the high winds. The risk is great enough that Adrienne has decided to evacuate Jaguar Creek and move into the city of Belmopan. One of our staff members has a small home there, so they will be crowded but safe. As Adrienne said, “We will just pack up a lot of food, bring along the mattresses and sheets, and have a big slumber party.”
Let’s hope it’s that safe and that much fun!
Here are three ways you can pray:
– Pray for the safety of Adrienne, Antonio, and all the rest of the PathLight staff and volunteers.
– Pray for the PathLight students and their families. Emergencies like this can have a significant impact on people who have a minimal safety net.
– Pray for the well being of the people of Belize, including the discernment of authorities in this moment of possible crisis.
As the news comes in we will try to keep you apprised of developments. Depending on the impact of Ernesto, we may have a way for you to respond. Stay tuned for more on that.
Thank you for your prayers over the next few days.
