News at ABWE
Typhoon in the Philippines
It was hardly a surprise to see a tropical depression forming in the Pacific Ocean near the island of Palau. In fact, the Philippines usually have more than twenty typhoons each year during the rainy season, which spans from late June to November. Typhoon Fengshen (Frank), however, would soon unfurl a storm beyond what anyone had expected.
Although typhoon-tracking computer models first predicted that Frank would bypass the Philippines altogether, the storm—which had grown in strength—soon approached the island of Panay, which is located in the heart of the Philippines. Wind gusts reached 125 mph and sustained winds measured 110 mph… yet, that was not the worst of it. On Saturday, June 21, the category three typhoon proceeded to dump 12– to 15–inches of rain on the island. Soon, rivers poured over their banks and added to the extensive flooding and mudslides. Before reaching the Panay coastline, the typhoon changed course and headed northwest. Unprepared for the change in course, a huge passenger ferry carrying more than 800 passengers was soon engulfed by the storm. After several hours of battling the terrifying winds and waves, the ferry capsized. Recent reports say that fewer than 60 people survived.
Simultaneously, a dam was breached near Iloilo City—the birthplace of ABWE in 1927—resulting in a flash flood that sent a five foot wall of water crashing in the riverside home of Kent and Sandra Pool, who are currently in the United States on furlough. Most of the Pool’s belongings were ruined in the flood. Additionally, women who were living in the home as caretakers were stranded in the building. ABWE missionary Jerry Layton and a seminary student named Adrian drove to the Pools’ home in hopes of rescuing the trapped women. As they approached the house, however, the road became a swift torrent of water and the pair had to abandon Jerry’s car and cling to a tree to keep from being swept away by the current. Later, they were rescued by a man who opened up his home for them to stay overnight. All told, more than 100 fatalities have been reported in Iloilo City, and approximately 30,000 people were stranded on rooftops or in multi-story buildings in the days following the storm.
ABWE’s field coordinator, Craig Kennedy says, “The whole island has been impacted by the storm. Even Boracay’s beaches are dirtied with rubble that will take a considerable amount of time to clean up. Power is still out in many towns throughout the island.”
While thousands of homes and families in Iloilo City were affected by the storm, recent reports show that the greatest devastation occurred in Kalibo and Banga, located on the north side of the island. Witnesses there say that rivers of mud and water up to 12-feet high flowed through their towns. Residents fortunate enough to find safety on rooftops, spent much of the night trying to fight off the snakes that were also trying to escape the flood. For the weary survivors, dawn revealed the full extent of the destruction. There were overturned vehicles, mud and boulders littering the streets, and hundreds of people missing or dead.
Howard Hardy, ABWE’s relief coordinator for the Philippines has since visited Iloilo to determine the various needs and coordinate the distribution of funds to provide emergency food kits and other basic necessities. Supplies have already been delivered to churches in Kalibo and Banga, which were spared from damage and are now serving as shelters.
Additionally, Doane Baptist Church (Pastor Danny Balm Escobar) is housing several member families who have lost almost everything in their homes during the flood. Relief workers at the church are cooking and delivering meals to its members who are living in temporary shelters and to those people who have remained in their homes but do not have the ability to cook because their gas burners were destroyed in the flood. [Even while] caring for its own members, the church desires to help its neighbors who are scattered throughout the city. They hope to provide rice, blankets, and tarps for temporary cover, while people finish cleaning out their homes. Undoubtedly, providing these supplies also opens doors for the gospel.
ABWE plans to provide at least 2,000 food survival bags (i.e., rice, canned sardines, candles, batteries, water, etc) for the storm victims. Additionally, there are at least twenty fellowshipping churches in Antique, Capiz, and Aklan that have suffered serious roof damage. ABWE estimates that it will need 1,000 pieces of roofing material to repair the buildings. When the roofs are installed, the church can offer immediate protection to its members and people in the community who were affected by the storm, as well as provide many opportunities for the proclamation of the gospel. These churches can also serve as a base for any future relief work that may be needed in the wider community.
Jerry Layton, Adrian, and another seminary student have since revisited the home where they had taken refuge during the storm. They realized that their ordeal was not just a coincidence, but was beautiful orchestrated by our loving, Heavenly Father. They knew then that God had allowed the flash flood to happen at a precise time in order for a specific person to rescue them and welcome them into his home. As they were thanking their host, they shared the Gospel with the household and a young man named Robert made the decision to trust Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. This is only one instance where this unpredictable storm truly yielded unexpected opportunities.
Please pray for the grave situation throughout the island. Many people are still suffering and ABWE-Philippines remains focused on meeting the spiritual needs of these people while performing acts of compassion. Pray that these events will open eyes of the people to their need for spiritual healing. For updates on relief efforts visit: http://www.stirasia.blogspot.com.
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Other Relief Efforts
With a string of natural disasters affecting numerous communities around the world, ABWE has been in contact with area churches and missionaries to assess how we can help. Many partners have already sent their gracious donations to help people affected in Burma, China, and Chile, and relief efforts are underway in each location. We are sensitive to the dangers of constantly appealing for funds, but we feel an obligation to demonstrate the compassion of Christ when and where, we have opportunity. As you review the following reports, please consider giving toward these efforts. More importantly pray that the gospel will do its work in hearts, as every offer of assistance is accompanied by a witness to the love of God in Christ.
US Midwest Flooding Relief
Myanmar Cyclone Relief
China Earthquake Relief
Chile Volcano Eruption Relief