Dr. Joe Dalino, leader of the Alliance Churches in the Philippines, reports:
We grieve with our kababayans (Countrymen) and especially with our Alliance brethren who were directly hit by the recent calamities in the Visayas region (Central Philippines) including Bicol and Palawan. At this point, the most we can do is to earnest seek God’s mercy and deliverance for them, and share whatever resources we have for their various needs. Pray for our government units and NGOs (Non-Government Organizations) who are on the frontline in responding to the victims’ immediate needs right now, as some of these places are not yet accessible. Meanwhile, we are pooling all our resources together for Relief and Rehabilitation. Please coordinate with the CAMACOP National Office so we can consolidate our relief and rehabilitation projects for our churches there. Here are some updates gathered from our District Ministry Supervisors (DMS’es) and pastors:
- DMS Rev. Roel Tabasa of CEBOLESA (Cebu, Leyte, Samar Islands): Two of his pastors are still unaccounted. These are Pastor Travesa of Palo, Leyte and Pastor Ernie Cabrillas of Mc Arthur, Leyte. Only the pastor of Tacloban was able to connect with DMS Roel Tabasa. Tacloban Alliance Church miraculously survived and became the haven of evacuees. Almost all church members of Tacloban lost their homes. Please help pray and give towards Relief operation project being coordinated by Rev. Tabasa and transported by sea to affected areas. Another Update from Rev. Tabasa, In Camotes, Cebu our church and parsonage partially destroyed. 25 members lost their homes totally as well as their livelihood.
- From DMS Rev. Nasser Hassim of NEGPAS (Negros, Panay Islands) –
- Roxas City, Capiz Alliance Church & school building totally destroyed
- Sagay City -parsonage totally damaged
- Barangay Rizal Outreach- church building totally damaged and livelihood of members
- Rev. Mangangot, Palawan DMS: In Coron Island, 3 Alliance Churches totally damaged, no update yet from other islands. Relief Operation coordinated by Rev. Mangangot in Puerto Princesa and transported by sea to affected islands.
- From Rev. Masalon, Bicol Commissioner: Our church in Calaay Alliance Church planting was damaged, including the members’ rice fields, banana plants. Pray for them please.
Thank you all and may the Lord continue to be gracious to all of us!
In His Service,
Bishop Jose “Joe” Dalino
President, CAMACOP
If you want to contribute to the relief efforts, you can do so through the AWF Account. For account details, see the contact page of the website.