Update: Since this request was received, another hurricane maybe even stronger than Eta, hit Honduras this week, threatening another catastrophe on top of the original—third catastrophe if we include COVID.

Nov. 12, 2020

Dear Northern Indiana Diocesan Family:

You have probably heard news reports by now on the devastation caused by Hurricane and then tropical storm Eta. Even now its remnants are soaking parts of Florida, but a week ago it was causing catastrophic damage to parts of Honduras. San Pedro Sula, where the Episcopal Cathedral, El Buen Pastor, is located, was especially inundated, since all of the rains in the mountains flow down and collect there. The airport our teams flew into was flooded, inside and out—by several feet according to the pictures. A town named La Lima, close by, was particularly hard hit—waters up to the eaves of houses and everything inside lost. There are roads and bridges destroyed and travel is impossible between certain locations.

The Bishop of Honduras has made the Cathedral a center for storing supplies and distributing them to those in need. I am waiting to hear more particularly, but I know now that the need for money to buy supplies will be great.

Therefore I ask you to send a contribution, if you are able, to the Diocese of Northern Indiana, marked Compañeros en Cristo, the name of our companion relationship committee. It is sometimes forgotten that the Diocese of Honduras has been in companionship with us since 1997. All funds sent to the Diocese marked with this committee name will be sent on to the Bishop in Honduras.

Please give as you are able. I will update you as I hear more. It seems urgent to get money to Honduras as soon as possible.

Blessings!

Fr John Schramm, on behalf of Compañeros en Cristo