As you know, Typhoon Mawar unleashed winds of over 145 miles an hour and torrential rain on the island of Guam. I have been in touch with the Reverend Irene Maliaman, a priest of the Diocese of Hawaiʻi who serves as the Archdeacon of the Episcopal Church in Micronesia, the Vicar of The Episcopal Church of St. John the Divine, and the only active Episcopal Priest currently residing full-time on Guam.
St. John’s Church suffered blown out glass doors and some flooding, but it appears there is no major damage. Families were sheltering in the Church’s office and in the Vicarage throughout the storm. I have not received a report yet on St. John’s School.
Guam takes typhoons very seriously and typically hunker down in reinforced concrete structures. Initial early news reports from the government of Guam suggest only moderate damage such as flooding, fallen debris and downed power lines. I’m awaiting more details as the evaluation continues. Folk will need help with cleanup.
How can you help?
Churches can take special collection on Sunday, May 28, to help the Episcopal Church in Micronesia with clean up and to help others impacted by the storm. Individuals can also make donations. Send all donations to: