As their nation reels from incomprehensible destruction in the aftermath
of Typhoon Haiyan, several Philippine ministries are pleading for
immediate help and the steadfast prayers of Christian Aid Mission
supporters.
One of the strongest storms in recorded history—with winds reaching
upwards of 235 mph—slammed ashore November 8 in the central Philippines.
Tens of thousands are feared dead and more than half a million are now
homeless.
Entire coastal villages were swept away by giant waves reminiscent of
the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004. The wide swath of structural
destruction across the archipelago has directly affected some 4 million
Filipinos.
The city of Tacloban on the island of Leyte was hit particularly hard,
where the death toll is expected to rise to thousands. Clean water and
food supplies are running low and reports began to surface Monday of
cases of dysentery.
A Christian Aid ministry partner expressed great concern for residents
of Tacloban. “We have not yet heard from our believers there.
Communication has been cut off,” he said.
Bohol Island, which suffered significant damage from an earthquake three
weeks ago, was further ravaged by the typhoon. Missionaries and pastors
serving in the area lost everything in the quake, and the typhoon has
only added to their distress.
“Due to the strong earthquake, houses, church buildings, roads, and
bridges were badly damaged. As a result, most of these believers were
temporarily living in tents. Food, medicine, water, communication, and
transportation are very hard for them to find,” said a ministry leader
who works on the island.
He asked for urgent help for the 25 pastors who were directly affected
by both the earthquake and typhoon. In addition, he reported there are
“300 to 500 families from these pastors' congregations who are very much
in need.”
“No complaints are heard from them for they know Jesus knows what they
are going through. Still, they need our prayers for comfort,” he said.
Numerous churches and Bible schools assisted by Christian Aid have also been decimated by the typhoon.
Recovery efforts will take months, even years, and structural damage has
been immense across the central Philippines. However, survival is the
most pressing concern now, and water, food, and shelter are critically
needed.
“The devastation on the islands is heartbreaking,” said another ministry partner. “We covet your prayers.”
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