Philippine Typhoon Relief

The recent devastation in the Philippines caused by Typhoon Haiyan is hard to imagine.  The loss of life and destruction left in the wake of one of the worst storms on record will be tallied over the coming days and weeks.  Early estimates are that more than 10,000 people have died and this could easily rise.  Top that with reports of an earthquake  and a tropical depression that will dump 200mm more rain on the region and the need for relief and help will rise.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, the Philippines is the largest source country for immigrants to Canada.   Atlantic Canada has witnessed a large influx of the Filipino community in recent years. As an example, Shediac, NB, can say that 10% of it’s community is now made up of Filipino immigrants.

Rev. Brock Symonds, Pastor of Shediac Bay Community Church (NB) says that 20% of their church family are immigrants from the Philippines.  “This super storm has had a profound effect on our community here”, says Brock.  “All but one of our families have heard from loved ones. Most of our families are from the main island (Manila) which only received a category one. The southern islands were hit the hardest and one of our families is still waiting to hear from their family.”

The church is planning a benefit concert, Feed My Sheep Concert for the Philippines, 7pm on Saturday, November 23rd at the church (http://www.hope4shediac.com/location.html).  Brock: “It is incredible to see this Filipino community here in Shediac pull together. They have a strong connection to their home country and feel blessed to be able to give of themselves and their money to the relief effort back home.”

Our Baptist network worldwide are also involved in providing support and relief in the four major areas of need – housing, clean water, food and access to medical attention. The Baptist World Alliance and Canadian Baptist Ministries are working through Baptist churches on the ground. CBM’s partners in the Philippines – the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches and Kabuganaan Philippines Ministries, Inc. – have been contacted for information about specific needs to which Typhoon Haiyan relief funds might be directed. The Canadian government will match donations to registered Canadian charities providing aid in the Philippines from November 9 to December 9.

How can you help?  

• Support here at home – Find a Filipino community in your area. Reach out and see how you can help and support them during this difficult time for their families and their country.
• Benefit Concert – Attend the concert on Nov. 23rd (http://www.hope4shediac.com/location.html).
• Financial Support – The Canadian government says it will match any donations to registered Canadian charities providing aid in the Philippines from November 9 to December 9. You can give directly through Canadian Baptist Ministries online – www.cbmin.org

Please pray for all those affected. And consider how you can be involved!

(Photo Credit: City of Tacloban – Ted Aljibe/AFP/Getty Images)