A family stands outside what is left of their home.
We want to thank you so very much for your prayers for this ministry and for the people of Mindanao as they recover from the devastation of Typhoon Bopha. The final numbers are in and they give a fuller picture of the extent of the tragedy. 701,224 families were affected in 40 cities and 34 provinces. 167,295 homes were damaged or destroyed. More than 1,100 people lost their lives. $603 million of property damage was documented and $410 million worth of crops were destroyed.
Floods and high winds destroyed everything that grew above ground.
Pastor Albert was finally able to send us photos of some of the damage to our churches and the homes and farms of our people. These photos give a picture of what happened.
Pastor Albert's home was flooded along with most of the suburb of Uraya
So many homes were destroyed in the villages
Seeing all the destruction would make you think the people are disheartened, discouraged, and perhaps blaming God for their loss. Nothing could be further from the truth. They are praising God for His goodness and faithfulness. They are rejoicing in His hand of protection.
Even well built churches could not stand against the hurricane force winds of a typhoon.
They are rebuilding their homes and starting over. They continue to gather together to worship the Lord whether or not the church still has a roof.
This church has lost its roof like so many of our village churches.
Where the church is completely destroyed, they meet in the field where the church used to be to praise Jehovah Jireh who will never leave them or forsake them. We have been able to rebuild the church in Pupoyohan that was totally destroyed and a new church has been planted in the village of Datu Ampunan. The Believers are more determined than ever to reach those who have yet to hear the message of salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ who is a Shelter even in the time of storm.
This was once a church roof.
Thank you so much for your prayers that have sustained them and lifted them up to the throne of grace.
We would like to ask you to join us in also praying for a very different kind of need. God has burdened our heart to share His message of hope and encouragement across America but our van is worn out to the point that it is no longer a reliable means of transportation. Because we have poured everything we have into the ministry on Mindanao at this critical time, we have no funds with which to purchase a better vehicle for ourselves. Please join us in prayer that God will provide this need so we can continue to bless the Body of Christ in America and bring His Word of Life to His people who are hurting in this hour. Thank you again for your faithfulness in prayer. May God bless you abundantly.
GOD LOVES YOU!!!
Rev. Howard & Barbara Gard
Church Triumphant
www.churchtriumphant.com
hgard@juno.com