Here is the latest update from a New Tribes Mission and even one from our pilot.
In Christ,
Walt
The NTM aviation team in the Philippines was among first responders to the Typhoon Haiyan aftermath. Initially, NTM pilots did aerial surveys to locate the best staging areas for the relief efforts, moved relief workers from island to island, and flew food, first aid equipment, and shelter supplies out to areas where people have lost nearly everything. The widespread destruction is staggering.
Currently, our four NTM pilots and three aircraft in the Philippines are in the air daily ferrying vital supplies in the relief efforts. Two MAF members have joined the team. As of last Saturday November 16th, they have been focusing their efforts in the western islands of the Philippines, assisting the more scattered and remote victims of this disaster. This is an area that NTM is best equipped to bring God’s message in “normal times”, and consequently is well equipped to demonstrate the love of God through practical support during this time of devastation to so many thousands of people.
We are grateful to be able to have a part in relieving the suffering and eventually rebuilding the lives of these isolated victims. Anyone wanting to participate in this effort is asked to give to the Haiyan Relief Fund:
http://usa.ntm.org/projects/haiyan-relief
One hundred percent of all donations to this fund are being forwarded to the needs in the Philippines.
Please pray for strength and safety for our NTM Aviation pilots and those assisting them. Most of all, please remember in prayer the Filipino people in their desperate need at this time. Thank you for your partnership in this effort.
Latest Update:
11/22/2013 Update from Zach Keller (Pilot) – Today I got to fly into several different places that have been overlooked as far as aid. It’s really interesting to watch people’s faces because at first they can’t figure what a helicopter is doing landing on their beach and then they see me taking bags off and they start to smile. You also can see that some people are completely shocked that someone actually cares they just stand there with a look of wonder. The most satisfying experience of this whole time so far is a guy that came up to me, shook my hand but would not let go and stood there looking at me while his eyes filled with tears and he just said thank you over and over. That one moment was easily worth all the work of the past week. As I flew home I realized how unfair it is that I get to experience that just because I am the last link in a incredibly long chain of people that have made this happen. I wanted to share it in hopes that it is really encouraging to all the people that are working so hard but don’t get the privilege to see the end result. I’m grateful that God is allowing us the privilege of serving this way.