WHAT WE KNOW: Philippine Red Cross tells Reuters that it estimates at least 1,000 dead in one coastal town alone and over 200 in another. Strong typhoon devastates country, wiping away buildings, leveling homes and leaving bodies floating in the streets. One villager saw ‘big waves’ and thought they were hit with a tsunami. Click here for more:
At least 1,000 dead in Philippines typhoon, early estimates indicate
Please PRAY everyone!!! These numbers we’re seeing are from only two towns in the area where the typhoon made it’s direct hit. There are HUNDREDS of smaller towns on this Island alone that we haven’t heard from due to a complete destruction of the communications infrastructure. Rescue crews are limited to ‘walkie-talkies’ to talk to each other; yes the kind you can buy at your local toy store! This monster storm, the size of which has NEVER been seen before, encompassed the entire area of the Philippines which is made up of literally thousands of islands, small & large. These folks need prayer beyond belief!!!
I serve as a missionary to the Philippines province of Bohol, which was just south of the storm’s trajectory. One of my close friends is from a small island in the province of Samar, which was one of the first hit by this power typhoon. We finally heard from them — the village the live in was totally destroyed, but praise God there were no fatalities. Your prayers are requested for all of those who are victims of storm or who have family members living there. The brother of one of my pastor friends is doing an outreach in Tacloban, Leyte, which was the city hit hardest . . he has not been heard from. Your prayers are greatly appreciated. Salamat (thank you).
I hope to be returning to the Philippines in January. So much destruction between the typhoon and the recent earthquake have created great need but also great opportunity to teach God’s word.