Dear Friends,
Last Saturday a level 3 typhoon hit Region 8 in the Philippines (Biliran, Leyte, and Samar Islands) where most of our ministry outreaches take place. While the loss of life was small in comparison to the typhoon that hit the Northern part of the Philippines a couple of weeks earlier, there were some tragedies here. In regards to damages to houses and property---many small native houses were damaged or destroyed. Out of the 15 churches we have helped pioneer, 3 were damaged: the Church in Bato had its metal roof blown off, the native church in Palarao was half blown down, and the native church in Calbiga collapsed. We have sent them some help as we have been able, and they will all do their best with what hey have to work with but will need more help.
The day before the storm I drove a 3 hour round trip to the provincial prison in Aboyoug and ministered to about 50 prisoners there, one of whom was serving 6 life sentences. Most of the people we spoke with there were maximum security prisoners. Many of them have already become Christians and their Friday meeting is similar to our Sunday church services. During our meeting new men came to know Jesus as their Savior and Lord, and many who were already Christians were encouraged and strengthened----in their faith and relationship with the Lord.
Please pray for healing and provision for a Christian brother named Gunie--- he is blind and recently fell and broke his hip. He needs an operation and just the stainless steel plate costs P40,000. Filipino Pesos or about $825.00 at the current exchange rate we receive. The government hospital provides some free services which helps but the medicine and other costs are estimated by the doctor to be about P25,000 Pesos or $515, for a total estimated cost of $1340.00
This may seem small by American standards but is a large amount for most people in the Philippines. Gunie is being raised by his Auntie and they are a family with very limited financial resources. We currently can help with about 20% of the cost but are trying to help raise the needed support for the operation which needs to take place soon. Your prayers and any help the Lord guides you to give would be a big help.
Thanks and God bless you always.
Gordon & Emie
