We received this update from Gary LeBlanc of our humanitarian relief partner, Mercy Chefs, regarding the crisis in Puerto Rico. Please see below and help as you can!  --Grassfire

(From Gary LeBlanc, Mercy Chefs_

I'm reaching out today with urgent news about the latest power outage in Puerto Rico. A contractor toppled a pole onto the main electric line, knocking out power to the entire island. The entire island! Officials estimate it will take 24 to 36 hours to turn back on what's left of Puerto Rico's electrical grid.

What's happening on the island is just tragic, test. Tens of thousands of Puerto Ricans have been without power since Hurricane Maria devastated the island on September 20, 2017. That was almost seven months ago. And now, this happens!

CNN reported yesterday that the power outage in Puerto Rico is the second-largest blackout in history. But today, things went from bad to worse. Maria damaged the electrical grid so badly that tens of thousands may never get power again.

News of the island-wide blackout this morning brought a revelation: I need to re-focus Mercy Chefs' efforts on helping our fellow Americans on the island. I really have no choice. The crisis in Puerto Rico has gone on too long. These are wonderful, loving people who urgently need our support!

I set a goal today to raise $20,000 in emergency funding for Puerto Rico by the end of the month. We've already supplied more than two dozen generators for Hurricane Maria victims, and hope to donate more to people who need them most: the elderly and chronically ill.

But Mercy Chefs is also looking into the possibility of bringing solar panels to the island, which are so much more cost effective for the long term. A solar panel costs more than a generator, but it doesn't require daily fuel to keep it running.

As of right now, we're investigating both options and will decide soon. But before we do anything, I need your help. Your tax-deductible donation of $25 or $50 today will make a world of difference to a Hurricane Maria victim.

Please click here or on the banner below to make a tax-deductible gift to support Mercy Chefs' "Operation Crisis Recovery" efforts on the island, as we continue other vital relief efforts.

We urgently need your ongoing financial and prayer support to continue our outreach efforts in Puerto Rico. Mercy Chefs has been willing to step outside of our "comfort zone" many times over the past six months to help. We pray that you're willing to do the same — whether it's through sacrificial giving or intercessory prayer.

Please stand with us to restore hope and to show God's love to people still recovering from the devastating effects of Hurricane Maria. With your generous support, Mercy Chefs can help bring the light of Jesus in the midst of physical and spiritual darkness.

I want to raise $20,000 in emergency funds for Puerto Rico. Click here to help now. And thank you, in advance, for empowering us to continue feeding body and soul in Puerto Rico.

Blessings,

Gary

P.S. Mercy Chefs is continuing our "Operation Crisis Recovery" efforts in Puerto Rico. Your generous support makes it possible for us to continue caring for Hurricane Maria victims still in the dark — both physically and spiritually. Please tell your fellow Americans that you stand with them at this difficult time. Click here or on the banner below to make a tax-deductible gift to Mercy Chefs' ongoing relief and recovery efforts on the island, as we continue other vital outreaches: