Emergency: Pray for us!

Over the last few days it has been raining heavily here in Northern Philippines. Yesterday we were warned of a typhoon that was sweeping towards us in Isabela. Some typhoons are very destructive with heavy winds, some are destructive with heavy rain ... but when you get the two together, that's when real trouble comes. And that's what happened last night...

The rain was pouring down last night. We had to wade through the water to get to the Bible School for a meeting. We were worried because many of our Pastors live in a place called St James, which is very prone to flooding. In 2007, our Pastors had to evacuate five times. But for two years there has been no floods and the government was confident that the problem had been solved.

But this morning we met one of our Teachers who lives in St James - Teacher Jennifer. She told us that she had a horrific night. She lives alone and she woke up at 2am to find the water coming up past her bed...and rising fast. She grabbed some things in her bag and ran. She left her mobile phone in her house along with everything else. She walked to Sefton Village through the storm .. and that's a long way in those conditions. On the way she was so exhausted that she just dropped her bag and let it float away. She has no way of knowing what has been destroyed in her house because it is completely submerged in water.

I texted all our pastors and staff who lived in St James. Pastor Jun told me that they were ok but stranded in their house. His pregnant wife Emmy Lou was sitting on a chair that was on top of their table. Jun said that even in the typhoon she looked like a queen! Most of our staff did not respond, so I decided to go and see for myself.

I went past the bakery and ordered 500 cakes. I went to the town while they prepared the cakes and I could not believe what I saw. On the bridges of Santiago hundred of people were looking over the river. But now, it was more like a raging ocean. Water was everywhere. The elecrticity lines were literally inches from the flowing water. People's houses were submerged. Many were on the roofs with all their worldly possessions. There was a boat going around saving people. I couldn't believe my eyes.

The police officer in charge said that in all his years as a policeman in Santiago, this was the worst floods he had ever seen. I went to St James and didn't get very far. Even the main road down to the homes was flooded ... and I know that this road was far higher than the homes below. I went around and gave out my cakes. The people were so grateful ... even though many had lost so much. I felt, "What's a cake when their world was falling apart?" But anyway, it brought a lot of happiness to many people (especially kids!) and sometimes all you need to know is that someone cares.

The police told us a few hours ago that the water was going to go higher. But as I went back to St James, I was happy to see it was receding. Please pray that he water will continue to recede. They say they are going to open up some dams nearby and that would raise the levels again. Please pray.

As I speak, I don't know the full extent of the floods. I know that all of our staff are OK but that many will have lost most of their possessions. The Pastors of Cornerstone who were not effected by the flood have been working hard helping people. Pastor Henry has just finished making meals for 1000 people and he , along with Pastor Danny, is going to find those who have no home and no hope. We are planning to use the church or fir centre as a place of refuge, if needed.

Please please pray that there are no casualties. Please pray that at this difficult time we will be able to touch the lives of thousands with practical love. Pray that out of this typhoon many will turn to Christ. Pray for our staff that have suffered and that are worried. Pray for Jennifer and Pastor Adonis ... they are the worst affected and Jun said that he was so upset watching Adonis as he stood and watched his house go under the water. Adonis' roof is almost covered with water ... everything will be destroyed.

I will do another blog tomorrow with an update. Sefton Village is ok because it is high up. My family are doing well, although Lydia is a bit upset about Pastors Jun's house and the house of her friends (Adonis' kids)

I am continually amazed at the attitude and resilience of Filipinos. Time and time again they suffer so mush with typhoons, earthquakes, volcanoes ... and yet they seem to rise up and get on with life so quickly. I am just thanking the Lord today that in all my life in UK I have never had to go through what these lovely people go through again and again. Count your blessings ... and don't hold on too much to things that perish.

Many thanks for your concern. You mean the world to us ... especially in times like these.