Hurricanes were always given a women’s name However, in an age of liberation we call them after a man as well as a woman. As I am writing this blog on Sunday afternoon September 9^th the Island of Bermuda is having a visit with Leslie! Leslie has been downgraded from a Hurricane 2, to a Hurricane 1 and as she passes us by she is a Tropical Storm! However, during the next few days she is to upgrade her or himself to a Hurricane One and maybe even Hurricane Two. Watch out Newfoundland!

   Jillian and I are no strangers to tropical storms or hurricanes. We spent a portion of our ministry in the Bahamas where we had the opportunity to meet both Francis and Jean and both were hurricanes and both were within two weeks of each other. As we were moving from the Bahamas Hurricane Katrina passed over us on way to the Gulf.

   Someone once remarked to me; “It must be rather scary living in a part of the world where you can find yourself in the center of such devastating storms.” Hurricanes can be powerful and yes they can be scary. However, one has plenty of forewarning that a storm is on the horizon. We followed Leslie on our computer for well over a week before she arrived in Bermuda. There were times when Bermuda was dead on track for Leslie and there were other times when we were outside the cone. This weekend we were outside the cone as Leslie passed by about 180 miles to our east. What we are experiencing now are some heavy showers and a little wind but nothing (as yet) really severe.

   There are plenty of things we do in preparation for a coming storm. A few days before arrival you make certain that anything outside that could be blown around is brought safely inside. We stock up on groceries especially water in case stores remain closed for an extended period of time. Do our flashlights work? Do we have fresh batteries? What about candles and maybe some oil lamps? Many in Bermuda have generators to run fridges and lights in case of a power outage. The day before a storm is due you cover your windows with shutters or plywood. What you are guarding against is any wind driven object be thrown against your window. One also makes certain that you have a working radio which will allow you to listen to storm reports. Some Bermudians will, just prior to the storm go up on their roofs and put cover caps on the pipes that lead rainwater into your cistern. Remember, we depend on our rainwater for drinking water. If it is a powerful storm the wind can carry salt mist from the ocean and drop it over your house. No one likes salt in their water. As a final preparation you make certain that you have games for the children and books for adults. Finally, before going to bed you say your prayers; “Lord watch over us we pray during the storm.”

Rev. John