Good samaritans travelling to Grenada to rebuild after Hurricane Ivan

Ken Johnston Editor

As the rest of the world watched the devastation of the recent hurricane season, aid groups like Samaritan’s Purse were preparing efforts to help the victims.
During the month of November four short-term missions have been organized to do just that and four people from the Rainy River area will be joining them from November 20-28th.
Pat Giles of Rainy River said that initially he heard about the missions to Grenada, where Hurricane Ivan devastated the country, from his daughter Melissa who works for Samaritan’s Purse. “I had sort of decided I was going, then word got around at church.” The church’s congregation, which is only 25 members, decided it would sponsor four people to go on the missions. Joining Pat on the trip is Jerry Galusha of Sleeman, Clayton Shannon of Rainy River and Ken Larson of Birchdale, MN. The cost for each person is $2,400, which includes all travel and room and board.
More than 60,000 people were devastated by Ivan. Giles said that the missions will mainly focus on reconstruction projects. Wood framing, masonry work and repairing tin roofs will keep them busy. 25 people per week, mostly Canadians, are making the trip.
Giles and Larson made a trip to Haiti two years ago to do the same type of work. “Ken and I were sort of thinking of going back to Haiti but it is more dangerous there now.”
While the church is sponsoring it, the foursome will not be actually dedicating time to preach the word of God. “We will be demonstrating our faith through good works,” said Giles.
They are required to take basic tools with them and Giles plans to take some clothing to give away to people in need in Grenada. “I took two suitcases with me to Haiti and only came home with one.” If the public would like to help out, Giles cautions them against bringing him any donated items. John Miller of Samaritan’s Purse said that the best way people can help out is to call Samaritan’s Purse toll free at 1-800-663-6500 or email him at jmiller@samaritan.org. “Money is the best donation. People should mention the Grenada Project when they call and their donation will be used to help construct more shelters there.” All donations are tax deductible.
The first group left for Grenada last Friday. The last group will return on December 5th.