Relief efforts have begun in earnest following the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.  BBFI missionaries, Rick and Fran Schuessler, have worked for the past 20 years establishing six churches throughout The Bahamas. One of their works in Freeport (Grand Bahamas) was hardest hit with flooding across 95% of the island.  The national pastor there has assisted in the rescue of 100 people from the flood waters, while his own home was inundated with three feet of water, taking with it most of the contents.  The Tabernacle Baptist Church and School has been destroyed with over eight feet of water throughout.  Another building, which they were in the process of constructing for ministry, has suffered less damage and they are in hopes of establishing there a site where disaster relief can be distributed to so many in need, including 30-40 single moms within their ministry.

Rick and Fran are safe stateside upon flying out ahead of the storm and are now working to get sorely needed supplies into the affected area.  The following requests have been made by Bro. Schuessler in response to how churches and individuals can help:

• PRAYER. We cannot accomplish this mass effort without people’s prayers. The Bahamian people have been devastated. Some have lost their homes and businesses, and they were still recovering from Hurricane Irma which impacted them two years ago. We anticipate many opportunities for ministry will open up as a result of the devastation.
• FINANCIAL. We will need lots of financial donations for this recovery. There is a need for water, food, generators, tarps, building materials, refrigerators, stoves, sheet rock, diapers, personal items, basic items for life. We plan to purchase many items in Florida to ship over to the island.
• TEAMS. After we assess the situation, we will need teams of people to come and repair the homes of these sweet people. This is going be a long recovery. We will be needing teams of people soon to help clear homes and yards of debris, build roofs and homes, distribute items to the people who still cannot make it to the center, and a shoulder to lean on and cry!!!

To give to BBFI Disaster Relief now, go to bbfimissions.com/helpnow .  Or you may send your tax deductible check to BBFI, PO Box 191, Springfield, MO  65803.  Please mark “Disaster Relief” in the memo.

If you need to reach Rick and Fran, you may do so at rick.schuessler@bbfimissions.org.