| Landslides and floods in the Philippines |
Survivors looking at the remains of their homes. |
Surigao City, 5th January 2004:
A week of torrential rains, starting 14 December 2003, has caused massive flooding on the island of Mindanao and landslides on the island of Leyte, killing about 100 people so far and affecting at least 65,000 people in both locations. |
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Christian is preparing bags with food and medicine.
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Through the generosity of Philippine donators a team of Light-In-Asia-Stiftung hope was able to distribute bags of medicines, clothing and rice to 35 families who were affected by the landslides in Surigao City. The barranggays of Rizal and Anaoawon were recipients of the direct aid.
We experienced gruesome stories of death and survival. |
The ten-year old boy survived this landslide.
Five-year-old Fatima was carried away by the torrent of debris, while clutching onto the branch of a coconut tree. She survived, having been found in shock not wanting to let go of the branch as if it was her toy.
As they told the story we could see pain in thir eyes, sighs of regret for not having done enough for their loved ones while they were still alive and the struggle to cope with living a life without them. We told them that we really do not know how to reach their hearts enough to ease teir pain. What we brought to give them is nothing in comparison to the big loss of home and family-members. We desired to let them know that God the Father really cares for them. Jesus was showing His love for them by having touched the hearts of Chistians in Davao City especially among All Nations Christian Fellowship and Light In Asia.
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A loving father named Dominator had brought his two-year-old child to his bedroom for an afternoon nap. At the same time the 22-year-old daughter was washing the plates, and the other children were playing outside of the house. With a loud noise, the whole hill that had been standing there for centuries came crushing down without warning, bringing all the mud, trees, and big stones onto the houses situated at the foot of it. One day later, Dominator and the child were found locked in each other's arms - dead. Fee Ann, the daughter, was found dead 100 meters away. The then-year-old son war buried in the mud up to his chest and was rescued on time.
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Fatima survived shocked and haggardly.
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Fatima's mother is looking at the rift where once her house was.
Their experiance reminded our missionaries Chris and Adela to be thankful to God each day for the air we breath, to be ready to expressively love our families and others, and to be prepared spiritually each day as if it is the last day.
On the way back every time we hit the huge potholes and our rented car strugggled thru the treacherous disappearing gravel road, Adela was reminded of her smile that somehow lingered and didn't want to fade that soon. Together with the donators of Light-In-Asia-Stiftung hope our missionaries have been able to touch those lives. "Believe me it was a wonderful feeling", said Adela.
Thanks to all friends and donators of Stiftung hope.
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One lady who had lost a son, a daughter in law, and a grandchild, said, wondering: "So, Jesus and Christians in Davao really care for us and our plight?" Our missionary Adela said: "yes". There was a sincere smile that lit across her teary face. When I gave her a hug, she did not want to let go and simply said "thank you".
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Gravel road outside of Surigao. |
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