Report from the Philippines
As a Church we have supported the emergency relief work in the Philippines through Noralv, who is an Apostle working there to extend the Kingdom of God. We sent two thousand pounds from the tithe and others have given individual offerings. Here Noralv reports on the aftermath of the typhoons and how our support is helping those in need.
“People are still in great need! Yesterday we went into Manila to one of the areas that are still flooded. Pasig is one of the lower areas in Manila and in some places the water reached up to our waist. We had armed military escort, and brought food supplies to many families. The army trucks are the only transport vehicle that can carry the amount of food we were bringing and manage the amount of water we were travelling through.
On the way in we saw a dead man floating in the river. In the same water children are playing. The water is so dirty you cannot see far below the surface. When we got to the house we were supposed to hand out food from, we realized there was too much water there so we had to do it in the street from the army vehicles. Over 500 of the neediest families were given food supplies.
However, there are still many families in need. And as we were there the word spread and thousands of people came, begging for food. As people have lost everything and the prices of food have more than doubled in the area the situation is critical for many of them and they can get desperate. Here the armed soldiers came in handy. Today we helped an additional 50 families in the Cavite area. The ones that get help are extremely thankful. Every day we are reaching out to people with the most essential help.
Many organizations are helping in the outer edge of the affected area, but are reluctant to go into the inner areas where we went yesterday. It is important to give the help now to prevent hopelessness and sickness. The Filipino army is very helpful and was very good at calming the people we could not cater for this time. We are impressed by the Filipino people coping with this situation. In the midst of the problems they are grateful and praying to God for help. It is a great privilege to be your extended hand to the Filipino people, demonstrating the love of God.
Noralv Askeland
There is still some time to give to this work of restoration. If you would like to send support please talk with one of the Elders.
