Thousands of men, women and children hit hard by Typhoon Haiyan came perilously close to never getting the aid they needed.
This came to light yesterday as I met with other New Tribes Mission USA leaders to discuss how we can better respond to future disasters.
When the typhoon hit last November, NTM Aviation in the Philippines leapt into action, helping survey the damage and gauge needs. They became aware of a huge gap – a group of remote islands that no one else was serving. Thousands of people lacked food, water, shelter and medical care. People in remote, rugged locations that NTM’s airplanes and helicopters and personnel were perfectly suited to serve. And they were all ready to go.
Except for one thing.
They did not have funds for fuel for the planes, for maintenance, for food and medical supplies – even for feeding and housing the pilots and mechanics.
They urgently contacted NTM USA’s home office, where Julie and I serve, to see if anyone could help them raise funds. Without that, they wouldn’t be able to fly. They thought they might have to wait until funds began to come in.
They didn’t.
Long before they contacted us, I had made it possible for people to give toward the relief efforts, and written an article and prayer request that helped spread the word. So the funds they needed were already available, and they were able to move ahead at full speed.
My involvement did not end there. I kept working to get word out, which helped keep supplies flowing.
Now, as a result of our discussion this week, I’m preparing our team to respond better and faster to future disasters.
We’re able to do this because of your prayers, your gifts and your encouragement. Thank you!
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