In response to devastation caused by Hurricane Joaquin across the Bahamas, the EPC has launched an emergency relief fund to help with recovery efforts. All donations to the fund will be sent to the Caribbean Youth Network (CYN), a Pennsylvania-based mission organization that fosters the planting, partnering, and networking of Christ-centered youth ministry in the Caribbean. The organization has set up a hurricane relief fund to help the people of Long Island in the southern Bahamas.
Gabe Swing, an EPC Teaching Elder and World Outreach global worker, serves as CYN Ministry Coordinator for Long Island.
“Hurricane-force winds did not let up for over 30 hours,” Swing said, noting that Joaquin strengthened to a category 4 storm with winds speeds of 130 m.p.h. as it slowly crossed the Bahamas.
“Joaquin was the worst storm to hit Long Island in more than 150 years. Flooding was extensive, and the storm damaged or destroyed many homes,” he added.
Bryn MacPhail, Pastor of St. Andrews Kirk (EPC) in Nassau, the capitol of the Bahamas, said the congregation raised $3,000 on Sunday, October 4, “but much, much more is needed.” He added that Swing works with three missionaries on Long Island who together minister to about 300 families.
Donations can be sent directly to CYN at www.caribbeanyouthnetwork.org/donate or to the EPC Office of the General Assembly at 17197 N. Laurel Park Dr., Suite 567, Livonia, MI 48152. Online giving through the EPC is available here; choose “Emergency Relief” from the category menu, then “Hurricane Joaquin Relief (502)” from the subcategory menu. All contributions received by the EPC will be forwarded directly to CYN.