Typhoon Haiyan

Dear friends and family,

As many of you know, two weekends ago one of the strongest storms to hit land in recorded history swept across the Philippines.  The local news is still predicting that up to 10,000 people have lost their lives. Many homes have been flattened and destroyed. This a huge tragedy and so many have suffered great loss. More loss is to come. Throughout this week I have been surprised at some filipinos I know who are from Visayas ~ who have family with destroyed homes or who have lost their lives.

A few days ago my friend Nicole and I met with a Filipina friend (Ate Nimfa) at Mc Donalds. She had asked us if we could donate some food to her family who live in Leyte, Visayas. When we met with her, this is what she shared:

Ten of her family members had died in the super typhoon. All of her relatives' homes have been destroyed. Most of them were rice planters or coconut harvesters. With many of the coconut trees having snapped, it will take time before they can grow and be harvested again. The land will also have to recover before they can farm rice.  She said that rice farming and coconut harvesting is Leyte's (the island where Tacloban is located) main source of income.  Many people will be affected by this.  It will be a long road to recovery.  She shared how the streets are full of dead bodies - some in body bags and some not. The air smells of decaying bodies.  It is very sad.

There is no cellphone signal there and so her cousin was able to get to another island where she could call family in Manila to ask for help. Ate Nimfa began to cry as she told us of how she feels guilty when she eats knowing that her family has lost so much in Leyte. The surviving relatives are in evacuation centers. They are given some food but it is not enough to satisfy their hunger.   Five of her family members in Manila are planning on leaving by bus to take a 24 hour ferry ride to Visayas to deliver whatever food, clothes, and supplies they could collect.  I am amazed at how Filipino families constantly rise up and look after one another.  

Please will you join me as we get on our knees before our heavenly Father.  Ate Nimfa is just one of the people who is hurting and impacted by Typhoon Haiyan.  Let’s join hands as the body of Christ and do what we can to help those in need - whether through prayer or financial help. If you are looking for a way to help, please let me know. 

With love,

Kelsie