The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE Grand Bahama Christian Council hopes to raise $50,000 to help those Bahamians who were severely affected by Hurricane Irma.

The group, which is hosting a special service of prayer, praise and thanksgiving on Thursday evening, is requesting all churches on the island to give $500. Residents are also invited to attend and give to the cause.

The service will be held at the Community at Heart Tabernacle Church on Coral Road at 7pm.

Rev Peter Pinder, president of the GBCC, said: “As we give thanks we will demonstrate our support for our sisters and brothers affected by the tornadoes in Grand Bahama and Bimini as well as those in the southern Bahamas whose homes were devastated by Hurricane Irma.”

He added: “We set a target of $50,000 as our goal; churches are requested to give $500."

Pastor Robert Lockhart, GBCC executive member, said the country is at the height of the hurricane season and Bahamians must continue to thank God for His protection.

“We are located in the hurricane belt and as a result storms will always be a part of life in the country.

“We are going to face hurricanes probably for the next couple months, and I think every year we will face hurricanes. And as they come, we will continue to pray, and as God answers our prayers, we will continually give him thanks.”

Apostle Anthony Grant said that Rev Pinder had called for prayer on Wednesday before the hurricane.

“This is a time of celebration and thanksgiving for having spared us and for us to continue to pray for those affected in the Bahamas,” he said.

Bahamians are bracing again as Hurricane Maria moves towards the Bahamas. The category five storm is expected to affect parts of the Bahamas by the weekend.

Hurricane Irma affected the southern islands of the Bahamas, Grand Bahama, and Bimini.