Article By EEW Magazine News Editors // Storm Watch // Prayer

Practically parking over the Bahamas for a day and a half, Hurricane Dorian pounded away at the islands Tuesday in a watery onslaught that devastated thousands of homes, trapped people in attics and crippled hospitals. At least five deaths were reported, with the full extent of the damage far from clear.

Megachurch pastor, Bishop T.D. Jakes, shared heartfelt words and a prayer online Monday as Bahamians are overwhelmed by the catastrophic storm.

“The intensity of Hurricane Dorian is quite disturbing,” wrote the 62-year-old leader of The Potter’s House of Dallas, TX. “Our hearts are broken for those who have hunkered down for this storm, but in the words of Christ Jesus, we pray, ‘Peace be still!’”

The storm’s punishing winds and torrential rain battered the islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama, which have a combined population of about 70,000 and are known for their marinas, golf courses and all-inclusive resorts. The Grand Bahama airport was under 6 feet of water.

Desperate callers trying to find loved ones left messages with local radio stations as Health Minister Duane Sands said that Dorian devastated the health infrastructure in Grand Bahama island and that severe flooding rendered the main hospital there unusable. He said he hoped to send an advanced medical team soon to the Abaco islands.

“We will confirm what the real situation is on the ground,” he said. “We are hoping and praying that the loss of life is limited.”

As reports of casualties and damages continue flowing in, Jakes’ prayer is fitting. He said, “Lord, minimize the damages and hasten any relief that is needed.”

The charismatic preacher, who is a source of comfort and encouragement to millions around the world, also challenged others to, “Join us in praying and hoping for their safety.”

Red Cross spokesman Matthew Cochrane said more than 13,000 houses, or about 45% of the homes in Grand Bahama and Abaco, were believed to have been severely damaged or destroyed. U.N. officials said more than 60,000 people on the hard-hit islands will need food, and the Red Cross said some 62,000 will need clean drinking water.

Parliament member Iram Lewis said he feared waters would keep rising and stranded people would lose contact with officials as their cellphone batteries died.

“It is scary,” he said, adding that people were moving from one shelter to another as floodwaters kept surging. “We’re definitely in dire straits.”

Bishop Jakes ended his prayer by saying, “May you, Lord, use each of us to be a blessing if they need us—in any way we can. In Jesus' name! Amen.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.