Dear Prayer Team,

 

Typhoon Kajiki and the Children – Alaysa Erepol, 9 years old, becomes afraid whenever it rains hard and the wind blows. She and many other people in Tacloban have not completely recovered from the trauma of Typhoon Haiyan.  Today, the local radio station issued a warning to prepare for the coming of Typhoon Kajiki tonight.  Though its wind speed is only 45 miles per hour, compared to the 200 mile per hour winds of Haiyan, many people were filled with fear.  2 families, including Alaysa’s family, asked if they could stay overnight in our house.  We were glad to host them, and help calm their fears. 

I played UNO on the floor with the children.  Between hands, we sang an action song, “With Christ In My Vessel, I Can Smile at the Storm.”  Alyssa and the other children smiled.  Right now, the winds have calmed some, as have the children.

Counseling Typhoon Survivors –

Lanie, a teacher at the local San Jose Elementary School, took shelter at a neighbor’s 2 story home, during Typhoon Haiyan.  The day after the typhoon, she and her neighbors walked around in a daze, not even greeting one another in the street as they normally do.  She boiled rusty well water to drink, and cooked spoiled rice for meals.  Neighbors murdered the security guard at a local grocery warehouse, so they could take the food inside.  When she returned to school to teach, 2 students in her class and 2 of her fellow teachers were missing – Victims of Typhoon Haiyan.

 Allene and I are counseling our neighbors and friends.  Pray for us as we try to guide them through the trauma they have experienced towards knowing Christ and the comfort and stability He brings to those who know Him as their Savior.

 Relief Goods and Guitars

Lanie and many neighbors received clothing and food brought to Tacloban by Crosspointe Church in Cebu, assisted by Covenant Evangelical Free Church in Singapore.

  

Christian education director Marilyn of New Life Baptist Church of San Jose was delighted when the church was given 2 new guitars.  Since all of the church instruments and sound equipment were wrecked in Typhoon Haiyan, they have been singing acapella.  Until now.

 Thriving After the Typhoon

 

I called Brian Babasol, missionary pastor in Hernani, Eastern Samar, today.  He is living in a “bunk house” a multi-family dwelling built of plywood designed to house typhoon survivors. He has an excellent opportunity to witness to the almost 100 people who live next to him.  However, living conditions are crowded and the roof leaks.  Pray for God to strengthen and comfort Brian, and give him fruit as he courageously witnesses in difficult conditions.

Carrying the Light,

Jim and Allene Latzko