FOLLOW US

We may see overzealous politicians taking advantage of storms on the evening news, but where the rubber meets the road is in the neighborhoods of Puerto Rico where Bruce Clark and Trinity Puerto Rico toil each day. Away from the TV cameras and unwilling to give even our reporter too much access because the stories can be too sad, too happy and too deeply personal to cover.

Puerto Rico remains a very religious place, contradicting the changes affecting most of the rest of the world. It celebrates religious holidays, sometimes for days and Puerto Rican’s remain unbashful about dancing, singing and praying. Puerto Rican citizens are predominantly Christian, and the Church’s long history here is a still apparent. The relief effort has shown the very best of all Puerto Rican’s and those in service to God have made a significant effort to help their fellow men and women. Puerto Rican’s are not afraid to thank the Church either! A man passing Clark’s team in a car shouted: “Who are you guys?” to which they responded: "We are the church, the people of Jesus," and he said, "Really?! Wow, the church has come here before anyone else."

A young man stopped Pastor Clark and said: "You and your people are Jesus in action." Yesterday a man said, "Wow, God has been so good to us through your help." These are reflections of humanity at its most vulnerable, and humans welcoming and thanking God in their worst of times for God’s grace. These are indeed remarkable reactions from people worried about today because tomorrow is just too far away.

A practical approach to filling needs

These stories are not just about food, connections, and water but other necessities that we tend to forget. Always mindful of their budget constraints and limitations on donations, Trinity tries to provide food and supplies in a way that balances cost and quality. The team found a great buy on Tresemme shampoo and conditioner. As they were handing it out they noticed that several the women recipients were beside themselves; one lady choked up in disbelief and gratitude and asked, "Are you really giving shampoo to me?" Clark also notes a lovely elderly woman who simply said to the volunteer team: "I Love you!!" Later, a man with tears in his eyes, "Thank you for helping my family." As they had finished a day of distributing supplies, a woman recipient asked: "Are you gonna still give more to others? Please don't stop!" Despite their own needs, the very best of humanity shines.