Friend Ships
Latest Update (Dec. 12, 1998)

Operation Hurricane Mitch Update #3

Since the last report, we returned to Roatán, unloaded enough food to fill about 8,500 food bags for direct distribution to the people of Guanaja. We accomplished this with the help of the Roatán church community. Then we sailed for Guanaja arriving on Wednesday, December 9th, where we concentrated the help in Savannah Bite and Mangrove Bite. These two areas were severely hurt by the hurricane. One woman in Savannah Bite described to us the terror her family experienced as their home was swept away and they had to flee to another house. Then, this second house lost its roof and all 13 people huddled together in the bathroom to ride out the storm as unbelievably heavy rains poured down on them. Seven people died from Savannah Bite. About 1/3 of the people have moved away from Mangrove Bite because their homes have been completely destroyed, but many of the rest remain and are living in tents.

On Thursday, December 10th, we loaded the landing craft alongside the ship with about 4000 food bags. This was the craft's initial trip to the people. First, we moored her in a small, hurricane damaged dock at Savannah Bite and served soup, sang songs and prayed as the people lined up to receive two bags of food for each member of their household.(each member of the community affected by the hurricane received a ticket with our stamp and the municipal's stamp on it listing the family name and how many people in their household). We received assistance from some fishing boats who helped us to transport several truckloads of food and water from the ship to the island. The churches and local emergency fund will continue to distribute supplies after we leave. Water has been restored but it is not suitable whatsoever for drinking, so both food and water are greatly needed. There are no real warehouses, only buildings with some space to store things. We will continue to offload supplies until those areas are fully stocked. It is always truly amazing how much our ships can carry and there seems to be a great supply to help our target regions. We also sent supplies to Mangrove Bite where there is no suitable dock at all. Before we complete our mission here, we expect to send a few loads to the main city in Guanaja, which has also received extensive damage. The people here are happy to see us and very warm. This is the time, this is the place that God has ordained for us and all our efforts are well placed! Please pray for the people of Guanaja as they struggle to recuperate from this devastating situation.

When the ship sails from Guanaja, she will go directly to La Mosquita Coast, an area in great need and hard to reach. We will conduct a similar operation to the one on Guanaja (no docks, etc.). Then there will be one final return to Roatán to reach a few communities we have not yet been able to help. Then Spirit of Grace  will sail back to the U.S.

Final Unloading Report December 31st, 1998

Unloading Report December 13-15th

Unloading Report December 6-12th

Unloading Report December 5th

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