This update is from Eugene Guzon, GCI national director for the Philippines and mission developer for northeast Asia and the United Arab Emirates.
GCI-USA ministry developer Ted Johnston and I were in Cebu City, Philippines from November 27 through December 3 for the theology conference there. We knew that our members attending from Visayas and Mindanao would be returning home to prepare for Typhoon Pablo headed straight toward those areas. It turned out to be one of the strongest typhoons in 20 years!
Before Pablo’s landfall, people in Mindanao took the typhoon warnings seriously, but not enough to shield them from its massive force. Reporters said that Pablo was stronger than super storm Sandy, which hit the US recently. As of December 17, the official death toll from Pablo was 1020 with over 900 people still missing. Six Philippine provinces still have no stable water supply, and food and water are slow in coming to other areas. The government is doing its best to respond to this heartbreaking disaster.
Shortly after Pablo passed through, we asked our area superintendents and pastors in Mindanao for updates about the situation of the members. They informed us that there was some damage to homes and crops, but the members are safe. Some of them were close to the eye of the storm; however they were spared. For that we thank God! He is our protector, shield and source of comfort. However, we cannot help but feel for the many thousands of Filipinos who lost loved ones and property. They continue to recover from the trauma of this tragedy.
We pray for God’s comfort for them all, that in the midst of their loss and grief they may understand that they were never alone. God was and is with them in their deep pain and sorrow. We also pray for God’s provision, through all means possible, so that the people who were so devastated can rebuild their lives. We also pray for strength and means so that in whatever way, word or deed, the church and our friends can participate with God as he reaches out in love to the ones who are suffering.
