Typhoon Haiyan Relief

12 Dec

Typhoon Haiyan Relief

A little girl looks up from her meal to express thanks

Dear Friends,

I want to give you an update on our relief efforts in response to the terrible destruction left by Typhoon Haiyan in early November. Within days of the disaster, Heaven’s Family partners mobilized into the affected areas to deliver over a ton of rice, hundreds of cans of fish and dehydrated meals, plus vitamins, safe water, mosquito repellent and hundreds of on-the-spot meals. They also brought hope in the name of Jesus.

Thanks to all of you who stepped up and responded so generously to the appeal sent in November by our director, David Servant. With your help we were able to raise more than $33,000 so far for this relief effort!

In that appeal, David mentioned that I was hoping to divert from my trip in Southeast Asia to take part in early relief efforts. Conflicting reports from the impacted areas led to uncertainty about whether the Philippine army would allow us entry at that time, and when I contracted a severe cold in the last days of my trip in Myanmar—resulting in a lost voice—I concluded that those plans were not God’s timing.

As I write, however, Gary Hawkins, one of our Philippine partners, is heading into the disaster zone a second time with additional funds we’ve sent from the Disaster Relief Fund (read more about his efforts in the upcoming January magazine). Another partner will be returning with supplies within days. I will be heading to the Philippines myself in January to continue relief, help folks rebuild their homes, preach the gospel and plan together with local pastors on how best to help rebuild their communities.

Sandwiches were handed out one day to some very appreciative children and parents

More images of the devastation, and safe drinking water on its way to those who needed it most

If you would like to give again (or for the first time) for this huge relief effort, please click here. I know the people of the Philippines will be grateful, and Jesus will be blessed as you serve Him through these His brothers and sisters. As always, 100% of your gifts to the Disaster Relief Fund will go to meet pressing needs from Typhoon Haiyan or other natural disasters, as all administrative costs are paid from our general fund.