Believers Mobilize to Support Victims of Philippines Storms

While South Asia and the tsunami continues to be the focus of most relief agencies, some agencies are currently providing support in the Philippines

By Kenneth Chan, Tuesday, March 01, 2005

While South Asia and the tsunami continues to be the focus of most relief agencies, some agencies are currently providing support in the Philippines where recent reports indicate 753 were killed, and 345 were missing from the nation’s recent slew of storms.

The Philippines is hit by about 20 typhoons and storms every year, Mission Network News (MNN) wrote in a recent news report. And while this year was no exception, the storms were devastating. Typhoons named "Unding," "Violeta" and "Yoyong" and the tropical storm "Winnie" hit parts of the Philippines between November and December, leaving behind landslides, flooding and disease. Tens of thousands of people had evacuated their homes and schools and government offices remain closed.

With almost 50 percent of the population living below the poverty line, recovery will be slow and difficult, MNN reported. However groups such as Food for the Hungry are partnering with the local churches in the Quezon province meeting physical needs and spiritual needs of the storm victims.

Currently, Food for the Hungry’s efforts in the Philippines include: a soup kitchen, food and clothing distributions, Bible distributions, medicines, Christian counseling and post-flood cleaning supplies.

Food for the Hungry and other groups working in the country are asking for the Christian community to pray for the strengthening and encouragement of families.