Philippines: A land that needs your helpBrian Heasley - 14 Nov 2013

Last Friday Typhoon Haiyan, one of the strongest storms on record, devastated the Philippines. Entire towns have been destroyed and there are piles of dead bodies in the streets. Hungry, homeless and afraid, children who have escaped the typhoon are now struggling to survive - many all alone.

The figures tell a horror story

11.3 million people have been affected, 2.5 million people need food aid, 673,000 people have been displaced, 80,047 houses completely destroyed, and over 3000 people dead. This land needs our prayers.

Please watch this video by World Vision to help guide you in your prayers for all who are suffering at this time. 

The next few days are critical in terms of getting life-saving relief to survivors.

"Search and rescue teams are working around the clock. The casualties are very high and are rising by the hour. We are racing against time to reach the hardest-hit areas." Aaron Aspi, World Vision Philippines

'We believe in God' writes David Bosch, 'not because we despair of the present and future; rather we believe in the present and future of both man and the world because we believe in God.'

We have hope. God can and does change the world. Pray with hope, believing that God can act in this terrible situation:

Pray for relief workers - to be able to gain access to remote areas and re-establish communications.
Pray for peace - especially for those who lost loved ones and homes in the tragedy.
Pray for resources - many millions are in desperate need of food, safe drinking water and shelter.
Pray for wisdom - for governments and authorities as they look to rebuild.

As well as your prayer we also have the opportunity to give, it says in James Chapter 2 15 – 16 says: “Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?”

We would encourage you at this time to not only pray for the Philippines but that you also give to help the many agencies working to bring relief. One such agency we have a great friendship with is World Vision, why not go on to their donate page here and make a donation towards their urgent work in the Philippines.

One week on from this terrible disaster let us continue to pray for and support the Philippines.