November 8, Typhoon Haiyan (or Yolanda, as it was called in the Philippines) struck the central islands of the Philippines. It has been reported as the largest typhoon in recorded history.
Most of the works of NTM were spared and Faith Academy was not affected at all. But just south of Manila was devastated. You may have seen the news and heard the numbers . . . winds over 200 miles/hour; floodwater surges up to 10 feet high; towns flattened; which affected 13 million people, displaced 1.9 million and killed thousands of men, women and children. What is sad, those numbers will continue to rise as communication is restored and relief efforts continue.
Below is a link to a satellite photograph of Tacloban City, including images from before and after the city was hit.
http://world.time.com/2013/11/12/devastating-before-and-after-images-of-typhoon-haiyan/
A missionary from Tacloban stated the following: “The biggest problem here is that everyone is effected. All the policemen in town lost their homes, most of the carpenters lost their homes, most of the hardware stores lost their roofs. This will make repairs even more difficult because so much of our city is destroyed.”
But, the situation there has become very dangerous . . . eight people were trampled to death as crowds panicked and rushed to get food that was being passed out. Relief trucks have been held up and stolen by armed looters. Stores have been completely looted. Prisoners have escaped from the prisons. So it is not safe for relief workers until the military has restored peace and order.
Some have asked how they can give to help those in need. It is best not to try and send actual items from the U.S. It takes so long to get there, and then others have to sort through everything to determine what is usable and what is not. The best aid you can send from the States is first your PRAYERS and then MONEY. There are many groups you can donate to. The following sites listed are groups that we know are providing relief in the Philippines: NTM at www.ntm.org, IMB (Southern Baptists) atwww.imb.org, and First Love International at www.firstloveinternational.org.
SPECIFIC THINGS TO PRAY:
- For wisdom for those in government and ministry bringing needed supplies and care
- For missing persons to be found and God’s comfort for the grieving
- For lawlessness to cease and law & order returned
- For the food and help to reach those in need
- For protection for those serving the victims
- That many would come to a saving knowledge of Christ because of this tragedy
Thank you for praying for us. We have been busy traveling and visiting with friends and family. In November, we will speak at three supporting churches and one new church.
In Christ,
Walter for the Spicers