Leaders Update on Philippine Typhoon Destruction, Relief Efforts
Church of God World Missions relief efforts from devastating Typhoon Haiyan that struck the Philippines have begun this week, according to an announcement from Tim Hill, director.
“Anthony Velasco, overseer of the Church of God in the Philippines, and Lito Anabo, overseer of the region that suffered most damage, have been keeping us informed,” Hill stated. “Although they have just begun getting reports, we already know of seven churches and several parsonages that have been destroyed or seriously damaged. We expect news of more devastation.”
Estimates indicate that upwards of 10,000 have died as a result of the monstrous winds and terrific storm surges that hit half of the Philippines’ 81 provinces. More than 9.7 million people lived in the path of the storm, and reports claim that 75 to 80 percent of structures have been destroyed. A meteorologist said Typhoon Haiyan reached strengths 3.5 times that of Hurricane Katrina, which hit southern Louisiana in 2005. It has been labeled the strongest storm on earth during 2013 and the strongest typhoon on record.
“Our initial efforts will aim at helping get clean water for some of the affected areas,” Hill said. “We will use part of the Marcelly’s Dream income to meet this immediate need. In coming weeks, as offerings are received, we will help with church and parsonage construction and repair.”
Hill explained that an appeal is going to pastors asking their congregants to prepare an offering for Philippines relief as part of their Christ’s Birthday Offering. The 2013 Christ’s Birthday appeal letter had gone to press only two days before the typhoon, so a supplemental letter to pastors is being sent this week. World Missions asks Church of God people to give an offering each Christmas season in the amount of the year (this year, $20.13), that would be used for assisting missionaries when they face crisis needs such as the death of a parent, sickness, accidents, or other disasters.
A video interview between Church of God General Overseer Mark Williams, Hill, and Assistant Director John Childers is available on the Church of God website on the home page by clicking on the Philippine Disaster graphic at www.churchofgod.org. Offerings that are designated for the Philippines will be set aside for that purpose. Gifts may also be made through the World Missions website by visiting www.cogwm.org and clicking the square labeled “Give.” The project number for Philippines relief is 765-0041.
(Source: Church of God World Missions)
