Following is an update on Hurricane Wilma as of 5 PM EDT October 25.

This report was sent to Donavan Tinsley (new DRUSA Coordinator...Sonshine Conference) from Ron McCants.

"Following is all the info I have as of 2:30 pm on Tuesday, October 25:
Reports of power outages -- everywhere from Vero Beach south from coast to coast. Most do not know when it will be restored. We have spoken with several pastors, left messages with several others and there are still about 25 English and Spanish speaking pastors we have not been able to reach due to telephone services being out.

The only significant damages are reported in the Clewiston / Hendry County area, New Harvest Ministry, Pastor Chuck Pelham: about 15 feet of roof was torn off the church building, dumping insulation and water on the platform, damaging sound equipment. The extent of the damage is unknown at this time. Most people today are trying to assess damage to their own homes. Several mobile / modular homes are reporting major damage -- roofs being lifted off or trees falling on them. The middle school and high school suffered damage, and those were used as shelters. Electricity may not be restored for a week or two. Feeding will be an issue for many people in that area. They are asking for our assistance.

Our Spanish coordinator, Pastor Joaquin Mercado, has been in touch with us... he is without electricity and is trying to locate gasoline for his generator."

Kathy Suggs
for Jack Kelley
DRUSA