11DEC2010
Cuatro ingenieros de la Armada comenzaron a asesorar las labores en el Río Magdalena.
Los extranjeros viajaron a la zona de la emergencia por una solicitud expresa del Gobierno del presidente colombiano, Juan Manuel Santos, ante el avance de las inundaciones en la zona por efecto de la ruptura del Canal del Dique. La vía fluvial, que es un brazo artificial del río Magdalena abierto en el siglo XVI, se rompió a su paso por Santa Lucía, en Atlántico. Las aguas desbordadas han anegado al menos cuatro centros urbanos y extensas zonas agrícolas y ganaderas. El gobernador del Atlántico, Eduardo Verano de la Rosa, dijo a la prensa en Barranquilla que los ingenieros estadounidenses y las autoridades colombianas buscan establecer un "modelo de cooperación" para superar la emergencia. El proyecto comprende el taponamiento del tramo roto, que tiene cerca de 200 metros, y el posterior desagüe del territorio inundado, agregó Verano de la Rosa en declaraciones previas a una primera reunión de trabajo con los estadounidenses. El funcionario indicó que los ingenieros extranjeros analizarán las soluciones posibles con expertos de entidades ambientales y de construcción y mantenimiento de infraestructuras públicas. En una alerta divulgada el viernes por la noche, el Gobierno pidió a los comités locales y regionales de emergencia de las zonas de influencia del Canal del Dique que "se mantengan atentos a los niveles superiores a las cotas del desbordamiento". Además de los centros urbanos afectados, las crecidas han desbordado varias ciénagas y embalses. Las autoridades colombianas no han establecido las causas de la ruptura del Canal de Dique, vía de 113 kilómetros que se extiende de Calamar, localidad del Atlántico, hasta la bahía de Cartagena, en Bolívar. El canal fue abierto para llevar agua a decenas de poblaciones de las zonas que atraviesa, para fines de consumo humano y riego de cultivos, y transportar cargas hasta el puerto cartagenero. La emergencia en esta región es una de las más graves que se han registrado este año en Colombia por efecto del fenómeno meteorológico de La Niña. La oleada lluviosa deja 238 muertos, 250 heridos, 103 desaparecidos y 1,81 millones de damnificados, y también ha destruido 2.014 casas y averiado otras 277.450.
This article from a spanish language Colombian Newspaper give the following figures as of 11DEC2010:
“The emergency in this region is one of the gravest that has been recorded in Colombian this year from the effects of the (La Niña) phenomenon. The wave of heavy rains has left 238 dead, 250 wounded, 103 dissapeared and 1.81 MILLION homeless, 2014 homes completely destroyed and 277,450 homes damaged from flooding.”
(Original Text) La emergencia en esta región es una de las más graves que se han registrado este año en Colombia por efecto del fenómeno meteorológico de La Niña. La oleada lluviosa deja 238 muertos, 250 heridos, 103 desaparecidos y 1,81 millones de damnificados, y también ha destruido 2.014 casas y averiado otras 277.450.
You can view this article on the El Tiempo Spanish Language Newspaper Website at:
By The CNN Wire Staff
November 20, 2010 -- Updated 0332 GMT (1132 HKT)
(CNN) -- Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos has declared a state of emergency in 28 of the nation's 32 departments because of heavy rains and flooding that have affected some 1.2 million people.
He called on the international community to help and said the capacity of the Colombian government is overwhelmed.
Flooding and mudslides have killed at least 136 people, injured 205 and left 20 missing, the nation's Interior and Justice Ministry reported.
Emergency officials say the heavy rain has led to problems in 561 municipalities in the South American nation.
"Many have lost everything they had and the capacity of the government [to help them] has been overwhelmed. We're trying to find ways to get more resources and that's why we're calling on the business sector, the public in general, and the international community to help us because, unfortunately, the situation is getting worse," said Santos.
He declared the state of emergency after meeting Thursday with ministry officials. Santos made the announcement on national television, saying the declaration would help get aid to those who need it.
The flooding has also damaged the nation's crops and livestock inventory, officials said.
Meteorologists are predicting rain for the next two weeks over large parts of the country, with heavy downpours expected in the next few days.
You can view this article on the CNN Website at:
Fuente: Canal RCN
La zona rural de Tuluá, en el Valle de Cauca, está inundada hace dos semanas. Seis poblaciones de Córdoba están incomunicadas por la caída de un puente y en Caldas 3 personas murieron este miércoles por culpa de los derrumbes.
La zona rural de Tuluá no tiene tierra firme, 160 familias tratan de acostumbrarse al alto nivel del agua que cubre la mitad de sus casas. El sector está rodeado por los ríos Cauca, Morales y Tuluá, y la corriente de los afluentes aumenta con los días. Los campesinos han perdido cerca de 200 hectáreas de cultivos de maíz, cacao, maracuyá y caña de azúcar. Otra emergencia se vive en Córdoba, 6 municipios del bajo Sinú están incomunicados por la caída de un puente en la vía Lorica-Sincelejo. Cientos de vehículos con pasajeros y víveres están represados. Los canoeros solucionan el problema de tránsito, por cruzar el río cobran de 1.000 a 5.000 pesos. Entre tanto, La vía Buga-Buenaventura tiene paso restringido por 25 derrumbes. Operarios de la concesión de la doble calzada trabajan para despejar la carretera.
This article from a spanish language Colombian Television station and describes how 3 people perished in landslides and 160 families were left homeless after flooding. Small farmers have lost over 500 acres of crops as well. The article appears with the following video:
Exhaustion and hunger do not prevent rescue efforts in Eastern Panama.
13DEC2010
Workers rescued 12 people yesterday to cut off areas. A father is still waiting in the Chepo center, for the arrival of his three year old son.
See this article on the PRENSA Spanish Newspaper Website at:
Along the coast of Colon, the Ministry of Health order that hundreds of drowned animals be burried.
13DEC2010
According to residents, this was the largest flood this town has suffered since 2004, and that seriously affected the Embera.
See this article on the PRENSA Spanish Newspaper Website at:
David Valencia, 75 years old, said he had never seen a river flood as big as that was recorded on this occasion.
The 2004 was great, but many homes are not reached by the water, he said. But he said that this time it was a tragedy in the community generally and all towns along the river Chucunaque and Turquoise in the Embera-Wounaan.
More than 2 000 families
Ronald Czech Sinaproc provincial director, believes that Yaviza could be more than 2 000 families affected, including the towns of Chucunque, for what he believes it will take understanding and patience of the affected population.
"Since air travel is made to assess the problem and to that extent necessary to bring aid," said chief rescuer.
A water surge
She said three days ago the village entrance Yaviza flooded, but yesterday, in afternoon, got a head of water flooding all the people, what have not escaped or public institutions.
So far there is little support by the concerned authorities and further worry that the river continues to grow and already in school in the area do not fit most people.
Achilles Orlando Valdes Yaviza alternate representative, said the anxiety of the population is great to see that it hurt them and the arrival of support is slow, because vehicles can not pass Chepo.
People do not understand the great difficulties that exist in the moment, said, however, yesterday, at noon and five aircraft had landed in San Vicente de Metetí with blankets, mattresses and bags of food to be transported in police trucks, the Ministry of Public Works and private cars.
Hot meal
Those affected have been locked in the Yaviza school is providing them food prepared in the absence of stoves. Also, since you have ready the grounds of the school Santa Librada to locate the rest of the residents, since they no longer fit into the campus Yaviza.
In turn, the Ministry of Health has set up an emergency center in the two schools to address any health emergency.
Completely Submerged Region
Vinicio Lino, the community of Lajas Blancas, on the confluence of the Ucurgantí Chucunaque said that so far has not reached any kind of assistance to indigenous villages in the region and have not seen any authority to assess damages has caused the storm.
"There are thousands of victims along the river and Turquoise Chucunaque and we are very concerned about the situation because it could generate an epidemic mortality of cattle and chickens in the upper river," he said.
Meanwhile, the governor of the Embera Wounaan, Lidia Peña reported that the capital was in coordinating the delivery of bags of food and other supplies to the villages and the county and National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc) is organizing the delivery help.
The peoples of the region that are flooded are Canaan, Playona, Sinai, Chiatí, Chocolatal, Nuevo Vigia, Lajas Blancas, Los Mogotes and El Salto, among others.
Burying bodies
After reporting that a large number of farm animals died as a result of the flooding of the tributaries, mainly Indian River, Miguel de la Borda and Guásimo, down the coast of Columbus, the Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Health (MoH) recommended that people, burned or buried to minimize contamination of the rivers in the area.
Reports coming from small farmers, residents and shippers account for the presence of horses, cattle, pigs, chickens and dogs were washed by swollen rivers and have gone to the river from tributaries.
Urgent Appeal
Aurelio Pineda, regional director of the MoH, said that among other recommendations made by the people is that if a family member has symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, vomiting, respiratory diseases or agitation, should be submitted as soon as possible facilities health area, which are open 24 hours for treatment.
It also recommends that you add three drops of bleach per quart of water or 15 drops of bleach per 5 gallons of water for human consumption or for domestic use. If the disinfectant is not available above, the alternative is to boil water for 20 minutes.
Damage reported
On the other hand, have reported damage to the aqueducts in the region (coast down) and 30 latrines were affected in the health sub-center of Santa Rosa, which was flooded.
The MoH has reports from communities such as Nombre de Dios and Portobelo, where there is no drinking water, while in Palmas Bellas tap water comes out cloudy, while the health center of Portobelo, in Palmas Bellas and the Escobal, in the Gatun Lake area, no energy.
Shipping chlorine
Faced with these emergencies, the MoH sent lime, chlorine, medicines, water, food and a power plant with fuel for each of the affected areas.
Health regional office assesses the situation of the health center of Portobelo, since it is near a hill that can collapse.
Meanwhile, in Portobelo, the Mayor and City Council gave 2 acres of land to the Ministry of Housing and Land Management to begin the construction of housing solutions for about 40 families were affected and damaged by the collapse of this week, which claimed five lives in Portobello, said Mayor Carlos Chavarria.
In western Panama
Meanwhile, in western Panama, where as the waters receded, the families affected by the flooding of the river Caimito, in the district of La Chorrera, began to receive support from local businesses.
The China Society, a region of western Panama, and Shakai Society, La Chorrera, contributed 2 000 500 dollars in dry food and water.
All aid is being distributed to families of staff from the Mayor of La Chorrera.
The MoH also announced the mobilization of medical personnel in health centers Magally Ruiz, El Espino, New Chorrillo and New Arraiján to affected communities.
Specifically, the neighborhood Omar, February 13, Generation 2000, New Burunga Chorrillo and the District of Arraijan
The Trapichito, Santa Rita, Puente Velásquez, El Limon, Sandy, Revolution, Naos, Calle Larga and San Nicolas in La Chorrera are others that are also being aided.
Eric Lopez, regional medical director of Health, said the families will be addressed by mental health personnel, who perform tests to measure the level of emotional involvement in these events.
While in some sectors of La Chorrera, potable water supplies began arriving in the morning of Saturday, which was of great relief.
Imminent risk of isolation without food or water
14DEC2010
Sinaproc has asked people to stay in the high spots until you can get help such as food and water.
See this article on the PRENSA Spanish Newspaper Website at:
Ronald Czech, provincial director of the National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc), said the risk of succumbing to the yavizanos increases, because the volume of water rises and trucks bringing shipments of water, food, blankets and mattresses and can not cross, because it prevents them from the river. "
Nobody leaves
But the problem is exacerbated at the insistence of the residents who refuse to leave the village before the evacuation order total to be relocated to Santa Librada school, nearly nine miles of Yaviza.
"The risk is great, he said, because it would take them out of town by the river Chucunaque, dangerous thing, because it can surprise a head of water."
Yesterday had to overcome on the road, but none wanted to do, now the danger is greater and costs are higher, as it would have to invest in gasoline engines and diesel boats to the trucks that will draw.
The serious, Czech said, is that fuel is scarce for this operation, since there were only 300 gallons of diesel and small gasoline at the pump, so it is asking the population to cooperate Yaviza.
The aid comes
Help is coming but very slowly, because the mobilization is air. Therefore, called for patience
In relation to the population of the headwaters of Chucunaque, reported that only air is being monitored because it is impossible to navigate upstream, so he returned to ask the population to remain in the high places until they can reach help.
Orlando Valdes Yaviza alternate representative, who served as a bridge to the community in an 10-wheel truck, said that since yesterday afternoon, stopped traveling because the water current was very strong and the danger of being dragged was great.
Food shortage
Meanwhile, in the shops are crowded Yaviza people seeking food and water, but no. Even, 52 miles east, in Metetí, shelves of bread, rice, beans and other staples have remained empty.
Diana Vargas, an official of the University Extension, said people housed in the church itself is willing to relocate to the community of Pueblo Nuevo, where the hospital, because it is high, but do not accept travel by boat by strong currents.
Report painful
According to reports Sinaproc in Darien were installed seven shelters that serve about 428 thousand people. Chucunaque Tuira rivers and remain at its highest level affecting the towns of Lajas Blancas, Nuevo Vigia, La Peñita, High Playona, Puerto Indio and other local hospitals.
Cooking Oil 2500 lbs
Salt 800 lbs
Sugar 800 lbs
Rice 8400 lbs
Tuna 100 lbs
Flour 300 lbs
Lentils 300 lbs
Split peas 300 lbs
Baking powder 300 packs
Bottled water 3000 lbs
800 gallons gasoline
135 pints two cycle oil
400 gallons diesel
$3500.00 have been spent on nails, tools, tarps, boards and labor to build emergency shelters in the jungle for villages that were completely destroyed.
$3600.00 to purchase three chain saws, board cutting guide, fuel and oil to cut lumber for building homes, schools and churches in villages that were completely destroyed.
God bless you all. KLR
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Check back frequently as I will be posting new images and video as they are sent in by PANAMIS workers and collaborators.
21JUN2011 05:56 p.m.
I would like to begin this update by thanking everyone who has given of their time, strength and riches. Without you none of this would be possible. Thank you. God bless you. May you all increase by God's hand.
Having said this, I feel somewhat like Paul did addressing the Corinthians during that infamous time of crisis. You all were the first ones with a desire to help! Indeed, history bears out that you were the first ones to send medicine, food and clean water into the Indian villages in the Darien Jungle. Yet after the initial, very generous response, funding has all but stopped.
I want to ask everyone reading this to make a special effort to help us finish this work. The 2011 rainy season is upon us and we still have many families in the villages of Mogotes and Vigia living in tents. Funding was simply not available to help villages like Dozaque Puru move to higher ground and they are once again in harms way.
Please make room in your hearts for the Embera people. Please be generous in your giving, and please tell your friends.
Maria and I are praying every day that your hearts be moved.
Grace and Peace
The Rowells
08APR2011 06:05 p.m.
A special thanks goes out to Doug and LynnAnne Lowrie and the mission team from LCU who came and helped build a school building for the children in the village of Mogotes.
The past three weeks we have been struggling to finish the preparation of farming areas so the villagers can plant their rice and other crops and provide much needed food for their families.
Twenty families in this village are still living in tents and the rains have already begun!
We need $6500.00 immediatly to finish building shelters for these families. Please be generous in your donations. It is through your LOVE that the poor are fed and the homeless are sheltered. May God bless you all richly for extending your hands to His children.
Grace and Peace
The Rowells
27FEB2011 06:15 a.m.
For the past several weeks we have been working with the villages who lost everything to the raging flood waters that swept away their homes. We are in a rush to rebuild huts on higher ground before the rainy season returns in late April or early May. Currently these people are living in tents and lean-to type shelters.
This month we have continued delivering food and water, distributing manual farming tools like axes, machetes, etc. and have purchased chain saws for harvesting lumber to build homes schools and churches for the villages which were totally devastated. We are also providing seed, fertilizer and technical assistance to these villages so they may replant their crops.
However, as we feared, since the flooding subsided, donations have dropped off. Yet we are in the most critical of moments in our relief effort. We understand that people do not feel the same urgency as before, yet the need for food and shelter continue. I would like to reiterate that most of these villages have lost everything. They are still several months away from harvesting newly planted crops. Please be generous in your giving.
Please remember, our estimate for the total cost of this relief effort is $80,000.00 so please continue helping and remember to tell your friends. The most difficult times are yet to come.
Grace and Peace
The Rowells
31JAN2011 02:15 a.m.
Brother Jorge suffered a serious accident last week while making trips on the Ucurganti river between Lajas Blancas port and the vilage of Tortuga. Because of the flooding there are many log-jams across the river. Those of you who have made trips into these villages remember going under huge logs and having to chop through others.
Jorge was trying to maneuver under one such log-jam and was knocked out of the boat falling into the water and was struck by the propeller in the stomach. He is out of the hospital and "thank God" is making a good recovery.
We are leaving in about an hour to make yet another trip to take much needed food, water and tools into these villages. Please continue to remember these people in your prayers and in your continued contributions.
Please remember, our estimate for the total cost of this relief effort is $80,000.00 so please continue helping and remember to tell your friends. The most difficult times are yet to come.
Grace and Peace
The Rowells
14JAN2011 04:53 p.m.
It rained again today. For the past two weeks there have been sporadic downpours in Panama City. I have not been able to update since 30DEC2010 because the rains knocked out telephone and internet service. It was just restored yesterday afternoon. It does seem however, that the rains are not as unrelenting as they have been in past weeks and that we may be seeing the first glimpse of the dry season.
I fear that after the flooding subsides, people will not feel the same urgency to continue with the relief effort. I would like to reiterate that most of these villages have lost everything. It will be months before new crops can be established. We are facing a 4 month-plus food shortage. Please be generous in your giving.
Please remember, our estimate for the total cost of this relief effort is $80,000.00 so please continue helping and remember to tell your friends. The most difficult times are yet to come.
Grace and Peace
The Rowells
30DEC2010 11:44 a.m.
Unbelievable but two days ago, 28 DEC 2010, it rained again. The Chucunaque river flooded once again. Not much more damage can be done to farm land and villages. The village of Mogotes, where PANAMIS workers delivered food this week, consists of 22 Embera families. "Nothing is left but a mud bog strewn with debris" reported Jose Calderon. The villagers have fled to higher ground where they are building lean-to type shelters. Today Jose is in Panama City purchasing tarps which will be draped over pole frames to form roofs for these temporary shelters.
Los Mogotes is just one of many villages that continue to suffer from flooding this year. These villages range between 100 and 800 inhabitants. Some have lost the entire year's crops. Some have lost crops and homes as well. Some villages no longer exist except for groups of families huddled in make-shift shelters in the hills. All however are being shown the Love of God through your continued donations.
Please remember, our estimate for the total cost of this relief effort is $80,000.00 so please continue helping and remember to tell your friends. The most difficult times are yet to come.
Grace and Peace
The Rowells
24DEC2010 3:57 p.m.
Our 8 villages have food and will all be able to eat this week. So, while you and your family are enjoying your Christmas meal, you can do so knowing that your generosity made it possible for 2331 people who lost everything to flood waters to enjoy a hot meal as well. God bless you all richly.
We owe a great debt of thanks to Tim Neal for wading through all of the video footage and photos taken thus far and producing new videos for this web site. Make sure you scroll down and view them. They are excellent. Thank You Tim!
Please remember, our estimate for the total cost of this relief effort is $80,000.00 so please continue helping and tell your friends. These people have lost everything. They make their living by sustenance farming and all of their crops have been washed away. Please remember to keep these people in your prayers. The most difficult times are yet to come.
Grace and Peace
The Rowells
21DEC2010 2:57 a.m.
I do not know where to begin! We are all overwhelmed! Yesterday, 20 December 2010 will be one of the most memorable days of my life. There is no way that words can relay what has taken place. There is no way I will have time to edit and format all of the photos and video that PANAMIS collaborators have turned in. I have decided to post RAW VIDEO CLIPS AND PHOTOS below so that everyone can have immediate access to what is taking place.
Yesterday 8 villages received thousands of pounds of emergency food for the first time since the flooding. It gives me great joy to report to our donors that PANAMIS (Panama Mission Relief) was the first, and as of yet, the only group to arrive with sorely needed emergency food supplies for these villages.
We owe a great debt of thanks to the Elders at Golf Course Road church of Christ in Midland, Texas for understanding the urgency of this effort and making funds available immediately for the purchase and transportation of food. Without their generosity 2331 people in 8 villages would be hungry tonight! Yet, they are not hungry but are warmed and filled.
However there is more to this story... much more. I will try and do justice to the report I am about to relay here. This is the story about God's providence. This is a story that reminds me that this is God's Show! He is in charge and orchestrates this incredible victorious symphony that we call life.
Late yesterday, when PANAMIS collaborators Lisa Carter of Cup of Cold Water Ministries and Keith Alpaugh, an American Investor who lives in Panama were overseeing the loading of the last two boats, something amazing happened.
But first, I will lay some ground work for what is to come. Keith Alpaugh is probably the most loving man that I have ever met. He has a gentle spirit and volunteers to help on every possible occasion. I don't remember him ever telling me "no".
Keith had mentioned to me that he had a friend who was a medical doctor and who was thinking of moving to Panama and wanted to do volunteer work with some mission. Keith told him about us and asked him to come on this trip to deliver food and see the area. So Keith, Lisa and Dr. Larry (sorry Larry, as of the writing of this blog I do not have your last name) left Panama City at 4:30 a.m. to make their way to Darien. This last food shipment was especially important because it was going to one of the hardest hit areas.
As a matter of fact, the village of Nueva Vigia is STILL UNDER WATER. The reports that we received is that the villagers fled into the woods to higher ground where they remain at this moment. Their village is still flooded. They are in dire need of food.
As the last boat left, Keith and Lisa and Dr. Larry saw something that captured their attention. Pulling in to the river port were two boats filled with black people, something not common in Embera Indian territory. Even more strange, they were being escorted (detained) by Panamanian Military Personnel. Add to all of this that they were overheard speaking English. The situation was too intriguing! Keith, Lisa and Larry had to ask.
The response was anything but what they expected. "We are refugees from Somalia" they were told. After speaking with this group of 23 individuals, they discovered that they were refugees from four African countries. There were people from Somalia, Eritria, Nigeria and Ethiopia! As they told their story, Keith, Lisa and Larry stood in amazement.
They had fled to the Americas in a cargo ship. They were let out on the coast and had been making their way through the jungle for 17 days when the flooding began. They had taken refuge with the villagers where they had been isolated for two weeks. When the waters had subsided enough to travel on the Chucunaque river, sick, tired and hungry, they were taken to the port where PANAMIS was busy sending shipments of emergency food. Keith overheard them asking for food and immediately sent for food to be prepared. Lisa and others went to the town of Sanson to get medicine and personal hygiene items. While in town, Lisa thought to get a box of Bibles and take to them as well.
As Lisa and the others returned, she realized that the Bibles were Spanish and these people spoke English. Oh Well! Dr. Larry set up shop on the river bank and began treating them. A couple of them had fevers and chills and were presumed to be suffering from Malaria. They were all covered with insect bites and some had open sores. After they ate, Lisa decided to ask "do any of you speak Spanish, because we have Bibles we can give you".
Then the unimaginable happened. They all answered, practically in unison. "Oh, we have our Bibles, we brought them with us!" 22 of the 23 were Christians. Christians fleeing from countries where people are persecuted for their religious beliefs. One of the men asked "How did you know we were here?" Lisa answered "We didn't." "But you were here with a Doctor and medicine and food. You have treated us and fed us" the man replied. Lisa explained that they were just there to deliver food. "NO! the man exclaimed! No!, God sent you to us." I know that Lisa's eyes were filled with tears.
We sent more food to them this morning and now they have been taken into Panama City by the authorities. Their petition for asylum will be processed and they will be given temporary permits while their cases are reviewed and decided. We will continue to monitor their situation. Hopefully, within the next two weeks they will be able to worship with us in Panama City.
I cannot help but ponder their odyssey. 17 days they wandered through the jungle then for two weeks they were isolated by flood waters. They were cold, tired, sick and hungry. I know they were reading their Bibles because the had them with them. I know they must have prayed. Some may have even doubted and wondered why God had not answered their prayers. Then God provided, just as he always does. I want to thank all of you who have contributed to this effort for allowing God to use you and us to provide for his children.
Grace and Peace
The Rowells
19DEC2010 10:00 a.m.
Keith Alpaugh and Lisa Carter are in the Darien Jungle overseeing food distribution. Today they will be going by Piragua (40 foot long dug out canoe) to carry food to the inhabitants of Nuevo Vigia, a village that is still under water. Jose Calderon reports that the people are living in the woods on higher ground surrounding where the village is submerged. I just spoke with them (9:45 a.m. Sunday 19DEC2010) via cell phone and they report that it is raining.
1.5 gigabytes of raw photos and video have been uploaded to my FTP site so I will be going through them and posting them later today.
Please remember, our estimate for the total cost of this relief effort is $80,000.00 so please be generous in your giving. These people have lost everything. They make their living by sustenance farming and all of their crops have been washed away. Please remember to keep these people in your prayers. The most difficult times are yet to come.
Grace and Peace
The Rowells
17DEC2010 02:37 p.m.
More Great news! Brother Jose made it through what remains of the Pan-American Highway to Panama City at 5:00 a.m. this morning in a diesel 4WD truck. This is wonderful news because it means we will be able to take food in over-land at least to the town of Meteti, Darien. From there the relief items will be placed on "piraguas" (40 ft. long dug out canoes) and transported to the villages.
The first wave of relief items will be distributed to the villages of Upper Membrillo, Lower Membrillo, Alto Playon, Lajas Blancas, Dozaque Puru, Chibigui, Nuevo Vigia and El Salto. The caravan of 4WD trucks left Panama City this morning and will be transporting 1/4 ton of salt, 1/4 ton of sugar, 3/4 ton of cooking oil, and 3 tons of rice which will be distributed in these 8 villages. While this is reason to rejoice there remains 8 villages that we have not been able to reach with assistance. Please contact Tim Dobbs at 432-352-1968 to find out how you can help.
I remember Dr. Steve Williams, one of my favorite professors in college at Heritage Christian University, would tell us that he had rather do a funeral than a wedding. He explained that it was a better opportunity to serve and that people's hearts were more receptive. Likewise, I hate to see people suffer, but it is an incredible opportunity to serve, hearts are open and Christians come together to form an awsome weapon in the hand of God.
Honoring this collaboration in Christ, I would like to offer a special thanks to Vince and Gretta Payne who direct Panama Mission Foundation. Vince and Gretta, leading a caravan from Panama City to the river ports on the Chucunaque, transported 2400 lbs. of rice in a Ford F250 Super Duty pickup provided by Serge & Edna Gregoire. Tirelessly, tomorrow, Vince will be doing another 2400 lb. haul. Please visit their website at www.panamamission.org. Also we would like to thank David and Lisa Carter who direct the Cup of Cold Water ministry. They have been invaluable in helping to coordinate and purchase relief items. Please visit their website at www.panamamissions.blogspot.com. Be ready to contribute to EVERY good work. When you visit these websites remember to donate. These are great Christian men and women and they are worthy of your support. God will be glorified.
Please check this website daily for updates. Vince and Gretta reported that the village of El LLano was devastated. They reported that they rolled down the windows to take photos but the stench of rotting corpses was so strong that it literally burned their eyes. They will be back this evening and I will post their photos sometime tonight. Lisa Carter will remain in Darien tonight and tomorrow overseeing distribution and will return with Vince after tomorrows delivery of relief items. At that time I will add her photos to the website.
Please remember, our estimate for the total cost of this relief effort is $80,000.00 so please be generous in your giving. These people have lost everything. They make their living by sustenance farming and all of their crops have been washed away. I know that little has been seen in the U.S news but sadly 10,000 indians in the jungle loosing everything to local flooding does not seem to be very news-worthy. Please remember to keep these people in your prayers. The most difficult times are yet to come.
Grace and Peace
The Rowells
17DEC2010 01:57 a.m.
Great news! Jorge successfully made it down river with the diesel fuel and brother Jose picked it up at the Lajas Blancas river port on the Chucunaque. It is no small feat navigating the flood swollen Ucurganti river. For those of you who have been on mission trips there you can only imagine the 8 hour trek dodging fallen logs and working your way through the debris. This means our relief effort has oficially begun. Also we would like to announce that we have recieved $10,100.00 in donations so far and today we will be purchasing rice, salt, oil and sugar to be distributed to 8 of the hardest hit villages. I will post exact costs and tonnage of all relief items on this blog! I will also incorporate photos of these items being distributed as they are recieved.
Our estimates for costs of this relief effort are $80,000.00 so please be generous in your giving. These people have lost everything. They make their living by sustenance farming and all of their crops have been washed away. I know that little has been seen in the U.S news but sadly 10,000 indians in the jungle loosing everything to local flooding does not seem to be very newsworthy. Please remember to keep these people in your prayers. The most difficult times are yet to come.
Grace and Peace
The Rowells
15DEC2010
At present, the Panamerican Highway is impassable and there is no fuel in Meteti. We do however have 165 gallons of Diesel stored at the John Connor Brown Life Center in the Embera village of Chibigui. Our brother Jorge Mezua will be transporting this fuel down river to the Lajas Blancas port as soon as it is safe to do so. Brother Jose will pick it up and use it for transportation of relief items.
Please pray for our brethren.
Grace and Peace,
The Rowells
Disaster Relief Information Update
Having said this, I feel somewhat like Paul did addressing the Corinthians during that infamous time of crisis. You all were the first ones with a desire to help! Indeed, history bears out that you were the first ones to send medicine, food and clean water into the Indian villages in the Darien Jungle. Yet after the initial, very generous response, funding has all but stopped.
I want to ask everyone reading this to make a special effort to help us finish this work. The 2011 rainy season is upon us and we still have many families in the villages of Mogotes and Vigia living in tents. Funding was simply not available to help villages like Dozaque Puru move to higher ground and they are once again in harms way.
Please make room in your hearts for the Embera people. Please be generous in your giving, and please tell your friends.
Maria and I are praying every day that your hearts be moved.
Grace and peace, The Rowells.
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____________________________Tim Dobbs at 432-352-1968