Puerto Rico! Here we come!

     Puerto Rico is the “Island of Enchantment.” With nearly 4 million residents on the island that is 

approximately 100 miles long and 35 miles wide, it is one of the most densely populated islands in the 

world. Puerto Rico became a commonwealth of the U.S. in 1898, but its history dates back to 1493, when the Spaniards arrived. After the Spanish-American War, Puerto Rico was ceded to the U.S. and became a U.S. commonwealth. In 1917, Puerto Rico became a U.S. Territory, nationalizing all Puerto Ricans as citizens and allowing them to elect their own legislature.

 

     Puerto Rico’s economy is closely tied to the US. Since the 1950s, U.S. firms have invested heavily in Puerto Rico because of duty-free access to the United States, and because of tax incentives. The Puerto Rican economy feels the ups and downs of the United State’s depressions, developments and budget cuts and as a result of today's economy, Puerto Rico's poor are suffering more today than ever before.

 

     The High School (CYF) youth will be participating in a mission trip to Puerto Rico through a nationwide, well-known organization called YouthWorks. YouthWorks' mission site is in the northern Puerto Rico city of Arecibo, which is about 50 miles west of the capital, San Juan. Arecibo is home to 100,164 people. The majority of workers in Arecibo produce agricultural machinery, clothing, plastics, paper and sporting goods. Forty-nine percent of residents, however, live below the poverty level and the unemployment rate is 16.3 percent. In addition, more than 7,000 Puerto Ricans are homeless.

 

     High School Youth attending this mission opportunity will assist in meal preparations, devotion time, work at various ministry sites throughout the city, and will experience educational, fun and cultural evening activities. The ministry work we will encounter incorporates a variety of opportunities to minister to the community through serving children's programs, visiting the elderly, assisting local service organizations as well as building and repairing homes. This mission trip is designed for youth to encounter a broad spectrum of need within the community as well as enable and empower the youth to find ways to meet the needs of the people they will serve while visiting this enchanted land.

 

     In the weeks and months ahead, as these youth work toward this unique experience, I encourage you to pray diligently for their efforts and to support them in whatever ways you can. 

 

Blessings,

Tracy