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The Least of These My Brethren
November, 2005
Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these
My brethren, you did it to Me." Matt. 25:40
Published by the Society of the Good Shepherd, P. O. Box 122, Amberson, PA 17210
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Flooding in the coastal town of La Ceiba
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After Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita, I think most Americans paid very little attention to Hurricane Stan, the hurricane that hit Central America in October. We were relieved that it didn't hit the United States, and so, many of us simply brushed it off. However, over 500,000 people were affected by Hurricane Stan, and the deaths from flooding and mudslides actually surpassed those caused by Katrina. In fact, the devastation to homes and villages caused by Hurricane Stan in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Southern Mexico was even greater than that caused by Hurricane Mitch back in 1998. In addition to the deaths and destruction of property, the mudslides and flooding rendered thousands of villages inaccessible and impeded delivery of emergency supplies to the people affected.
 Another Flood Scene
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However, because Stan hit Central America--not the United States--it received nowhere near the publicity that Katrina received. And so the amount of aid flowing to the victims of Stan has been considerably less than the amount of aid being provided for the victims of Katrina.
It will take months, maybe years, before people in Honduras recover from the trail of death and destruction left by Hurricane Stan. Several weeks after the worst flooding and landslides to hit Honduras since Hurricane Mitch, many are still coming to terms with the destruction. Thousands have lost everything they had worked all their lives to build; others have lost loved ones.
A Bridge Washed Away
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Now, as I write this newsletter, the remnants of hurricane Beta are dropping heavy rain over parts of Honduras, prompting forecasters to warn of more deadly landslides and flooding as the storm dissipates. The soil in Honduras is already saturated from the heavy rains during October, which began with Hurricane Stan. Any additional rain could be devastating.
 Refugees from the Floods
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Yesterday, authorities evacuated thousands of people from fifty different communities in Honduras after four rivers overflowed from rain brought by Hurricane Beta. Strong winds knocked down signs, fences, trees and electricity and telephone poles, cutting off power and communication in hundreds of communities. The heavy rains have flooded and destroyed numerous rice, corn and bean fields--upon which so many of the people are dependent for their livelihoods.
 These families lost everything from the Flooding
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I am mentioning these disasters because I'm very much hoping that the Society will be able to help some of these victims when I return to Honduras in January. Thankfully, the Red Cross and other international relief agencies will be helping most of the victims. However, there are always people who fall through the cracks. I'm particularly concerned that none of our brothers and sisters in the Lord are left desolate after these hurricanes.
If any of you would like to make a special contribution for hurricane victims, please note these on your check. I plan to give a full report on things after my January trip. DB
 Flooding in the coastal town of Tela
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100% of all donations go to our work in Honduras. All overhead and travel expenses are paid through other means.
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