Bahamas Methodist Habitat: It's Monday ... in Nassau

Today started out early for KP and I, with a 6:00am wake up and a 7:15am flight from Governor's Harbour to Nassau (we had to fly commercial...what a bummer).

We met with the Bahamas Conference of the Methodist Church (BCMC) Disaster Relief Committee at 10:00am and mapped out a clear path for our continued response and relief efforts. There was a lot of Hurricane Response history and experience around that table this morning, myself being one of the most "green" even with six years under my belt! Hurricanes are not new to the Bahamas nor is Hurricane Response new to the BCMC!

One of the most touching moments was when Rev. Carla Culmer said that after a hurricane hit Abaco while she served there, the thing she remembered most was a small care package sent from a member in Nassau and the time she was able to simply share her story with one of the volunteers that had come to serve. It was a spiritual 2x4 that was again knocked some sense into me and reminded me that we are a relationship based Christian ministry that just happens to also do Disaster Response and Sub-standard Home Repair. God has put a great burden on our hearts to serve and love the people of the Bahamas. After we recieved our assignments we each went our own way so that "many hands could make light work"!

Following out meeting, KP and I were interviewed by two national reporters for TV, Radio and the Newspaper! I have added it to the blog so you can check it out. I had to go old school/new school and record it via my handy iPhone.

We were then requested to come meet with Capt. Russell the head of the National Emergency Management Agency of The Bahamas (NEMA). We had a wonderful 45 minute meeting that was very productive. He has A LOT on his plate but is doing a good job with the entire country and we are excited to be able to assist in the efforts with him. We have worked with NEMA since Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and have continued to have a wonderful partnership with them. Capt. Russell requested our assistance on Saturday afternoon and we have already flown relief supplies for them to Rum Cay, Acklins, Cat and Crooked Island! This is a beautiful relationship because they provide the supplies that have been donated by Bahamas Red Cross and NEMA, the Defense Force delivers them to Odyssey FBO in Nassau and our pilots are then able to pick them up and deliver them where most needed! We like those kinds of partnerships!

This evening, Cameron King and I coordinated our flights for Tuesday and if all goes as planned, which sometimes it changes... we should have seven planes in the air tomorrow! Please say a prayer for our Bahamas Habitat staff in Ft. Lauderdale who are working selflessly to ensure person's that need the most assistance get it. They are being creative, bold and passionate about reaching out and giving person's the opportunity to serve throughout the Bahamas!

The day ended with a pizza dinner, Hell's Kitchen and a night of air conditioning. KP knocked out early because he is exhausted. He has literally been working since before the hurricane!

Please take this time to DONATE to the ministry so that we can continue to serve and love throughout the Southern Bahamas.
Thank you all for your support once again!

Peace and Love.
Abe and KP from Nassau

I didn't take any exciting pictures today so I am sharing a few highlights from the past couple of days.