Philippines (MNN) — Approximately 300 people are dead following the impact of Typhoon Bopha which swept across the southern Philippines Tuesday. According to reports, damage included downed trees, homes destroyed, and flooding. Flash flooding in the Compostela Valley province swept away soldiers and damaged emergency shelters that were believed to be safe.
The typhoon also hit a country in which Compassion International has a huge presence. Communications specialist Kate Amaya says, "Today we have over 65,000 children registered in our child sponsorship program, as well as mothers and babies in our child survival program and young leaders in our leadership development program."
According to Amaya, Compassion is implementing their critical intervention program which consists of "malaria nets where malaria is prevalent all the way through disaster relief and recovery. So anything that one of our children faces that would interfere with holistic child development is considered critical intervention."
How have Compassion children been affected? Amaya says at this point, "We don't have a specific report on any of our children. With a storm this size, it can be assumed that some of our children and some of our workers will be affected, yes.
"We do know that natural disasters have a far greater impact on those living in poverty," she continues. "We will have more information shortly."
Compassion works through the local churches in every community. You can assist Compassion with disaster recovery in the Philippines and around the world through their Christmas gift catalog. There are opportunities to provide "emergency shelter, food and water, replacement of household items like clothes and school supplies, repair to damaged homes, and in some cases, trauma counseling."
While it may appear to be physical assistance, Amaya says it's more than that. "All of our programs are Christian-based, and that means that everything that we deliver is delivered with the message and the hope of the Gospel."
Your investment goes even beyond the children. "All of them will hear the Gospel message. That love and hope is then spread to their families and their communities."
If you'd like to sponsor a child for $38 a month, or get involved in help Compassion's disaster assistance program, click here.
