Typhoon Yolanda is recorded as the worst natural disaster in the history of the world. There are over 16 million people affected, 6,155 people dead, 4.1 million people displaced, and 1.1 million houses damaged or destroyed as a result of the super storm. The storm occurred on November 8, 2013, and our squad arrived in the Philippines on November 25, 2013. Naturally we thought most of our work here would be concerning the disaster relief.
Our assistance began with our initial flight to the Philippines. We each had one box of medical supplies going to our ministry contact so that they could distribute the materials to their people in Tacloban. I soon realized that Tacloban was one of the most devastated areas as a result of the storm and the area that our ministry, Kid’s International Ministries, had set up a base for assisting in the relief work.
Once we arrived in Manila, we soon found out that we were not going to Tacloban but rather working with the schools and communities that our contact has established within the area. The main reason, from my understanding, was safety and I accepted that as God saying no for the time being. Some were sad, some were frustrated, and some were confused. The decision was final for the time being. From day one, my team began to pray about going having full faith and hope that we would make it down there.
We started ministry and soon met a man in charge of fundraising and the effort in Tacloban. We began raising funds for food, medical supplies, and shelter for all those affected. We were still making a difference whether or not we were physically there. Prayers continued going to the Father- God, we have faith in your plan.
A month left in the Philippines. Our team leaders tell us that there is an opportunity to go to Tacloban and that we as a team have to decide whether or not to go or to stay in the community that we had been with since November. Thankfully, our team was a unanimous YES! The talk of the next day was all about Tacloban and which teams were going and which were still praying. That night at worship, we found out that ALL 8 teams are going Tacloban from February 1-14! Praise the Lord.
This news is a true testament to just how faithful our Father is to His children.
Psalm 33:4 For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.
Psalm 86:15
But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.
1 Corinthians 1:9 God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.
We are excited and hoping for a simpler style of living for those two weeks! Thank you for your prayers and for continuing to pray with us for the Philippines, our ministry Kid’s International, and for all those who are still feeling the effects of the storm.
Great is Thy faithfulness Great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me
Summer and winter and springtime and harvest
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love
All my love- Netty
