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RSSJune 27, Pentecost IV
by the Rev. Barbara Cawthorne Crafton for ERD
6/27/2004
1 Kings 19:15-16, 19-21
Galatians 5:1, 13-25
Luke 9:51-62
Psalm 16 or 16:5-11
A Happy Ending in Belize
When Hurricane Keith destroyed much of northern Belize, the island of Caye Caulker in particular suffered damage to about 70% of its infrastructure, leaving 25% of the population homeless. Episcopal Relief and Development responded and provided emergency assistance: with the Diocese of Belize, ERD committed to build 30 new concrete houses on the island. The government was to provide the land, and ERD, together with the Diocese, would provide the funds and oversight for the house construction.
In the past, families on the islands could only afford to build homes unable to withstand the elements. The new homes are different, sturdily designed and built of materials that will weather the hurricanes that visit Belize every year.
Curiously, the market has intervened in this story of homelessness: the beautiful island has become a tourist mecca. Real estate prices have risen dramatically, and something approaching prosperity has come to Caye Caulker.
And so the Diocese and ERD have turned their attention to other parts of the impoverished country. Because in just a month, the first hurricanes will begin to form far out to sea. Every church in a tropical place knows that human beings are very small next to the awesome power of nature. There will be a need for more houses on other islands.
What ERD did on Caye Caulker can be done anywhere.
Episcopal Relief and Development is an effective, reliable, and vital ministry of the Episcopal Church in communities around the world. Episcopal Relief and Development provides emergency assistance in times of disaster, rebuilds devastated communities after the immediate crisis is over, and offers long-term solutions to help people sustain safer, healthier, and more productive lives.
