Good Samaritans

Lend a Hand

Good Samaritans continue to live up to their name, this time in the form of “Samaritan’s Purse,” a North Carolina relief organization that is helping regional territories, including the Cayman Islands, recover from the devastation of Hurricane Ivan. The organization, headed by Mr. Franklyn Graham, is assisting in Haiti, Grenada and Jamaica, as well.

Samaritan’s Purse has funded a shipment of building supplies which will be on the way to the Cayman Islands within two weeks, says Pastor Al Ebanks, chairman of the Ministers Association, which is handling the distribution. Pastor Al said that in conjunction with the shipment, the Ministers Association would be coordinating teams of volunteers to assist in the reconstruction and repair work.

The shipment is expected to include tarpaper, shingles, plywood, and dry wall.

“Various churches have received overseas donations, but this shipment is for the people of the Cayman Islands,” said Pastor Al. He said that the Samaritan’s Purse had already sent in personnel to provide advice and support for the Ministers Association in managing the process.

“They are very interested in what is happening here and in assisting us,” said Pastor Al.

On this end of the project, the Ministers Association will be working closely with the Department of Children and Family Services and with other funding agencies to identify the most needy people in the community.

Pastor Al envisages that centres will be established in each district and distribution organized by the pastors of the churches in the area.

He hopes, where possible, that those receiving the goods will organize assistance or do the work themselves.

“It is envisaged that this assistance will be available to the neediest members of the community such as those who are widows, elderly, disabled, single parents, uninsured, etc.,” Pastor Al said. “We well recognize that the needs in our community are well beyond the ability of any single individual or group to meet but like the miracle of Jesus when he multiplied the five loaves and two fish and fed five thousand, we believe the church has both the responsibility and desire to show the love and grace of Jesus through sharing the resources available to us with those members of the community who are in great need. We believe thqt God will also be gracious to grant us a miracle of multiplication of resources as well.”