Our planned outreach to typhoon affected areas was delayed two days, due to yet another typhoon. “Quinta” hammered us on Christmas day. Although it was not as destructive and strong as “Bopha” that wreaked havoc in Mindanao, we in Siargao got hit harder. The eye was closer and north of us so the winds came straight at us and violently shook our windows and roof. Thankfully, the only damage we had was to trees and the thatch roofing on our small buildings.
Finally the storm let up and we were on our way. Our day began at two o’clock in the morning for a two hour trip to the port village of Dapa.
We were greeted by a beautiful sunrise and calm seas. The coast guard had cleared all boats for travel after days of no travel by sea.
This day would be a long one. The next phase of this long and arduous journey will take four hours by sea and six hours by land.
Please pray for safety as we travel, especially with a heavily loaded truck. We also have a bus and trucks loaded with food, clothes, vitamins, medicine, school supplies, toiletries, Christmas gifts and a water purification unit!
Friends in the province of Agusan have been a blessing. They will have segregated food packs prepared and ready to go when we arrive.
Thank you to all who generously responded through donations. This has enabled us to do this outreach and serve in this way. Without your support we would not have the resources to be able to go. God has so graciously lavished His love on us through His Son and it is a joy for us to carry His love and hope to the hurting and hopeless!
Stay tuned for update and pictures soon!
Christmas Decorations
The Christmas season is drawing to a close. The turkey is gone, the eggnog is finished and it is time to get back to our normal routine soon.
If you are in the vicinity of our Canadian office in Winnipeg, would you consider donating your new or gently used Christmas decorations to Hope for the Island? See contact info below.