A team of 28 volunteers is heading to Puerto Rico to assist with the long-term recovery from the devastation of hurricane Maria in mid-September 2017. The team will spend April 6 -13 taking on a variety of projects including roof repair, painting, plumbing and general renovation and maintenance tasks to support residences as well as local churches.

Team member and Mission Coordinator, Larry Cowen said. “The congregation of the Bedford Presbyterian church has been sponsoring and funding volunteer disaster recovery teams since 2006 when 22 people travelled to Slidell, Louisiana after hurricane Katrina. Since then, intergenerational recovery teams have travelled annually to Louisiana, West Virginia, Maine, New York, and most recently to Houston, Texas for recovery from hurricane Harvey. Over the years, the recovery mission has expanded to include annual youth oriented trips to Maine, and a local Helping Hands mission of recovery, supporting NH families and service organizations such as Dismas House for women returning from incarceration.”

The entire island of Puerto Rico was devastated by hurricane Maria. The team is working with multiple organizations that are active in this long-term recovery effort, including Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and Lutheran Social Services. A vast network of churches, organizations, and individual volunteers is required to complete the long road to recovery. The team from Bedford will return with many stories and much to share regarding about the progress and continuing needs in Puerto Rico. All are invited to learn, participate and support these ongoing efforts. If you have a story to share we’d love to hear it. The need is great.

For more information please visit www.bedfordpresbyterian.org

or contact

missions@bedfordpresbyterian.org.