Philippines (MNN) — While the Philippines continues reeling from Typhoon Haiyan, now torrential rains are creating even more destruction as flooding in the Philippines has hit the south.
Bridge out because of flooding in the Philippines
(World Mission Photo).
World Mission Executive Director Greg Kelley says their partners are “responding to about four feet of rain, just in the month of January, that has created all kinds of havoc with floods and landslides. What they’re saying is about 800,000 people have been affected in the Southern Philippines with 120,000 people being displaced from their homes.”
40 people have lost their lives. Kelley says, “Just as we thought we were getting on the other side of the emergency relief to the typhoon victims, now we have an equal crisis in the southern part.”
The amount of rain they received in less than a month “equals the amount of rain New York gets in a full year,” says Kelley.
Flooding in the Philippines washes out 44 villages in the south (World Mission photo)
In one area, 44 villages are totally underwater. Kelley says World Mission is providing relief and more. “It’s just crisis mode. We’re just trying to get water and food to the evacuees. So, that’s the plea right now. In that effort, we do everything in the context of Bible distribution.”
While the southern part of the country is predominately Muslim, radical elements seem to disappear. “They don’t ask if you’re a Christian or a Muslim; they’re just appreciative of the response. So, it really allows the body of Christ a unique opportunity [to share] the Gospel.”
The goal is to eventually provide Treasures, solar-powered audio Bibles, along with the aid. Click here to support World Mission’s efforts.
