As many of you know, we in the Philippines have just endured one of the strongest typhoons to date. Typhoon Bopha (locally known as Pablo) was on track to wipe out our island. This category 4 typhoon came with 220+ km/hr. winds and rain with huge ocean surges.
Praise God, we were spared when the eye of the storm shifted to the provinces south of us. The most devastated areas were in Davao Oriental, yet Surigao del Sur and Agusan also faced destruction on a huge scale. Friends in that area have reported that 60+ churches were completely damaged along with most native homes. People are suffering, left without the basic needs of shelter, food and water. Crops were wiped out and all water sources are contaminated. Although funding and aid has come in waves to the most affected areas, the province of Agusan del Sur has been neglected. Believers in the area are doing their best to reach out with the little they have despite all they have lost.
Seeing the pictures and hearing the reports one would have to consciously harden their heart not to respond. God’s Word does not provide room to sidestep serving and loving those in need.
For this reason, our family and staff will spend our Christmas break living and serving in communities that are traumatized and helpless. I was blessed when I shared the need with our staff. Each of them jumped at the chance and even gave of personal Christmas blessings received from others to help with the expenses for Hope for the Island to reach out in love.
ACTS 20:35In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.
It is not enough that we get frustrated, upset or merely sympathize when typhoons destroy communities or families tragically lose their children in school shootings. Hardships and injustices surround us wherever we are in the world. The question is what are we going to do about it? How are we going to respond? I heard someone once say that Ministry is simply seeing a need and doing something about it.
This Christmas let it be a time when we take some tangible steps to put our faith into action. Out of thanksgiving for the abundance of love and grace we have received through Christ, let us reflect that in the way we obey His word and give back this Christmas.
John 15:12 Jesus says, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you!”
As Christians we celebrate at Christmas all that was accomplished through the birth of Christ. What better way to celebrate Him than to obey what is most important to Him? That is to love Him through loving others!
This will truly be a Christmas to remember for Hope for the Island. There is no greater way to celebrate Emmanuel – God with us, then to bring the hope and love of Christ to those in need.
We have prepared Christmas gift packs for kids and lots of used clothing. We also have a filtration unit that will be able to run around the clock so people will have access to purified drinking water.
We do need to stock up on plenty of rice, non-perishable food items, vitamins and medicines. For those who want to help with this need there are a number of ways to help financially. All gifts small or large will go a long way to meet some very real needs!
Or contact our Canadian office
Email: info@lowemarketingdemo.com
Call 204-894-HOPE (4673)
Blessings to you
Derek and Jenn for the Hope family
