Initial reports received from Dr. Benjamín Galarce, superintendent of The Wesleyan Church-Puerto Rico, indicate Wesleyan Academy sustained heavy damage following Hurricane Maria that passed through the island as a Category 4. Wesleyan Academy is a private, evangelical Christian school in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, owned by the Puerto Rico District of The Wesleyan Church. The Academy was founded in 1955 by Wesleyan missionaries.
Rev. Galarce is grateful to God that lives of Wesleyans were spared. The storm left much destruction to properties, he is continuing to make contact as he can by land with pastors and churches as phone communications are extremely limited at this time. The entire island lost electrical power.
Reports include:
1) Wesleyan Academy located in Guaynabo in the San Juan metro area, with an enrollment of nearly 1,000 students, suffered a heavy blow, much of the roof tops of the Academy were lost and the AC units that were located on the uppers level were lost. Water damage is extensive.
2) TWC-Guaynabo that is connected to the Academy property also suffered heavy damage to the roof and front of the building. There is water damage as well. The church is pastored by Rev. Irving Figueroa.
3) TWC-Caguas, pastored by Rev. Ada Mercado suffered damage to the structure, detail pending.
4) TWC-Levittown, pastored by Dr. Galarce, suffered water damage but no or little damage to the roof and structure of the building. The home of the Galarce family withstood the storm, and it was not flooded.
As additional information is received, Dr. Galarce will endeavor to keep us informed. He expresses deep appreciate to The Wesleyan Church and to be part of the family of international Wesleyans.
We join with TWC in Puerto Rico in prayer and join with them with our financial assistance. Donate to the Wesleyan Emergency Relief Fund to help.
