Philippines (MNN/Biblica) — Because of the seriousness of Typhoon Haiyan that destroyed much of the Philippines, Mission Network News is sharing the hope our partners at Biblica still have for the Philippines. As of Dec. 11, data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) placed the number of deaths at 5,959, while the injured and missing remained at 27,022 and 1,779, respectively.
Typhoon Haiyan, known in the Philippines as Typhoon Yolanda, was the biggest recorded storm ever to make landfall, displacing millions. For many families, the storm washed away everything: their homes, livelihoods, even their source of spiritual nourishment.
Biblica has been sharing the hope of God’s Word in the Philippines for roughly four decades, partnering with churches, publishing Bible translations in three of the countries major spoken languages (Tagalog, Cebuano, and Hiligaynon), sharing the gospel with approximately 300,000 children each year, and providing spiritual support in the wake of natural disasters like the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1990.
How can we show our support for the Philippines, in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan–especially when the need is so great, so far from home? Here are three things we can do.
1. Share the hope of God’s Word
Long after the storm has passed, even after humanitarian relief efforts wind down, difficult spiritual questions linger–questions only God’s Word can address. People need the hope and encouragement found in Scripture. Yet families lost everything in the storm, including their Bible.
To meet this need, Biblica is working to distribute 20,000 Cebuano New Testaments. (Cebuano is one of the major spoken languages in the disaster area). Local Biblica staff will distribute these New Testaments through 200 partner churches in the Philippines. But your help is needed. Your gift of $10 will help supply 10 New Testaments for storm survivors, providing the hope of Scripture to those who lost everything.
2. Support humanitarian relief efforts in the Philippines
Organizations like World Vision, Compassion, and Samaritan’s Purse are also on the ground in the Philippines, working to meet the immediate, physical needs of survivors. They’re providing life-saving aid such as food, clean water, and temporary shelter.
Consider donating to one or more of these Christian relief organizations to help meet the immediate needs of children and their families in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan. Even a small gift can help deliver aid to those who need it most.
3. Pray
More than anything, pray for those who were injured in the typhoon. Pray for those million people in need of food assistance, and the many thousands of pregnant women in need of prenatal care.
Pray that God will open doors for food, clean water, and other relief supplies to reach those hardest hit by the storm. And pray for the safety of those giving and receiving aid.
Thank you for remembering the survivors of Typhoon Haiyan.
