Generosity abounds in helping Hurricane Michael victims
By Yani Torres
Hurricane Michael affected our neighbors to the east terribly and it was impressive to witness the amount of governmental organizations working together to bring to help the people of Panama City and the surrounding towns. Additionally, many regular persons, community leaders and churches flowed in to help taking into consideration the immediate needs of the people of that area.
I witnessed many godly men like Javier Cruz, Albert Giron and team, Onan Cruz and team, women of God like Noemi Suarez, Ashley Barahona, Deysi Carbajal and many more from churches like Comunidad Familiar Tabernáculo de Adoración (CFTA) and Mana del Cielo giving their time, skills and even their money to help by cutting trees, fixing roofs and whatever else was necessary.
A special thank you goes to B’S Smoking BBQ for providing hot food to feed 18 guys working in the area cutting trees. Also, to La Chama Venez, for spending a whole day, to serve 1,000 arepas to the community of Panama City in conjunction with CFTA. A recognition goes as well to persons like Attorney Brent Probinsky and his wife Susan Probinsky that came all way from Sarasota, Florida with La Paisanita Carrion (Isaret Carrion), Gus Martinez, Vanessa Alvarez and Carlos Alvarez from Kissimmee, Florida, working together collecting donations and able to fill two trucks full of food, water, generators, coolers, chainsaws, and many more items to those in need. A third truck was added in Fort Walton Beach thank you to Comunidad Familiar Tabernáculo de Adoración.
Our brother in Christ Luis Diaz and wife Sarahi tired after two long days in Panama City came in to drive the third truck and help with the distribution process that took place in the church Casa de Dios, Puerta al Cielo in Panama City. That was over $25,000 dollars in donations that Mr. Probinsky and his donated.
Jose Garcia, the President of Boricuas Ausentes, drove from Fort Walton Beach to Panama City with his wonderful wife to fill his truck full of water and food to distribute to those without transportation located in Callaway and Parker. Families with toddlers and younger babies received donations. Thanks to Jose Garcia’s efforts, two elderly couple badly in need of assistance, were able to receive the medical attention needed by the contacts Jose made.
Another group from CFTA came in and filled their trucks as well to distribute in communities like Foxwood, Macedonia and many more in the area. Four long days were spent in Panama City, but it was rewarding to see those in need getting the assistance needed.
It is so amazing to be part of the process of giving with a heart full of love. There are so many people helping in this process of reestablishment. I encourage you to get involved in any way you can to help our beautiful neighbors to the east. Even with just a prayer, your contribution is very much appreciated. God’s Blessings.
