Yesterday, January 31st, the rain began in the early hours of the morning. By mid-afternoon, there was flooding in much of Greater Florianópolis. The newspapers report that this is the most rain we have had in a 24-hour period since 1980. Frei Damião was hard hit because it is in a low area. Both the river and the sewage ditches overflowed, allowing at least 1 meter of water to cover the ground.
Today the sun came out and Ron attempted to go into Frei Damião. He found that both accesses to the bridge had washed away after the river rose above the bridge. Cars were parked on either side of the bridge and the only way in or out of Frei Damião was on foot.
Another view of the bridge
Many homes were flooded. A mixture of sewage and water flowed freely in the streets. Many of our church people were forced from their homes and took refuge in the community center (CADI). Many have lost everything.
This photo was taken very near our house – across the street from the shopping center.
Filed under: Ministry
we sure have been in prayer 4 the poor residents of Frei Damiao and Brrejaru. What a blessing that the Community Center had been built. Our Prayer is that through this tragedy, people’s urgent needs may be met and that they may see evidences of God’s love 4 them.
As I said in my email to you yesterday, on hearing of the flood situation – WE ARE PRAYING FOR THE RAIN TO STOP AND FOR ALL THE NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE TO BE MET DURING THIS CRISIS. Good to get the new pictures and thankful God stopped the rain and brought sunshine to the area. We continue to pray for you and for the families affected. May God reveal His love and provision to them as you lead the people through this situation.
Dave and Tina Harrington Little Rock, AR
GOOD TO GET THE PICTURES AND THANKFUL GOD STOPPED THE RAIN AND BROUGHT SUNSHINE TO THE AREA. WE CONTINUE TO PRAY AS YOU LEAD THE PEOPLE THROUGH THIS CRISIS. DAVE AND TINA HARRINGTON
My daughter Cassie and I are praying for the you and the people of Frei Damiao. Like my daughter said “we just want to hop through the screen and help”. It is wonderful to see that they are receiving help through the community center and the wonderful missionaries. I miss you and hope to see you soon!
Sarah Sanchez (Chicago, IL formerly Salt Lake City, UT)
wow, i am just now getting the chance to look at all these photos! I will keep praying!!! (this is jana-not jason).
We are praying for your ministry and that the LORD will bless your efforts and the lives of these people through you. We are so sorry that this has happened to all of you and pray that God’s love can be seen by those who are affected through your efforts and the efforts of other Christians in the area. Love, Claudette
Dear Ron, Alana, and Loretta,
Our church had the pictures displayed at prayer services last week and handouts were passed around containing pictures and names of your team to remind everyone to continue praying for you all during this ordeal. I am praying for you to get some rest and be rejuvenated and ready for your next crisis. We are praying for the folks there in the community as well, that their lives will get back to some measure of normalcy real soon.
Wish I was there to help you guys,
John