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Amy Church

Super Typhoon Hits

Dear Friends and Family.

The Philippines was hit by a Super Typhoon last Sunday which caused major damages throughout Catanduanes. We are thankful to God that though there has been much devastation throughout the island, none of our students, staff or friends were killed or injured. Communication has been difficult, because the systems have been down-we have only started to hear from people today, and have had only limited contact.

According to the Red Cross, “Ferocious winds and torrential rain destroyed at least 25,000 homes on the island and damaged another 45,000, but the numbers are expected to rise.” Winds were recorded at up to 180 miles per hour, and there were storm surges along the coastal areas of up to 16 feet.

 

The power is out throughout the island, and many roads are blocked by landslides, downed trees, power poles and heavy flooding in many areas. The estimate is that 90% of all infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed. Crops have been wiped out throughout the region.

 

Food,  fresh water and supplies will need to be shipped in from outside the island.

Our school facility was greatly damaged (see pictures), staff and student houses were damaged, two are gone completely. Windows were broken, doors blown off and all of the non-concrete structures were destroyed. The main building is still standing, though there was flooding throughout the building causing much damaged. All the books in the library are ruined, as are much of the furnishings and musical equipment. All the crops have been wiped out, and it sounds like at least half of the animals have been killed or are missing. Most of the exterior wall around the school was knocked down leaving no protection against theft or future storms.

 

It is difficult to be so far away from our friends and loved ones, not able to help the recovery efforts in person. We are keeping them all in our prayers and we ask for your prayers as well.

The need is great! Please consider giving to help rebuild.

Thank you so much,

Amy, with Nels and Lorrie

Newsletter-Fall 2020

Fall 2020

Dear friends,

Greetings from Fairbanks, Alaska!  This has been the most unusual spring and summer of most of our lives.  There have been a multitude of things happening, not only in our country, but throughout the world.  It is easy to become afraid, or discouraged, or consumed with the various events and take our eyes off of Jesus, our Savior.  Someone made a simple statement to me that helped me to walk with more joy through these times.  He said, “we need to remember that the Lord wasn’t surprised by the events that are taking place.  He knew about them from the beginning of time.”  I already knew that, but was reminded that my trust is in Him and nothing will alter His plans.  No matter what the future holds, He holds the future and He will walk with us as we look to Him.  Will the times be easy?  We do not know.  Will they be difficult?  We do not know.  BUT HE DOES.

We were planning to return to the Philippines this fall and continue with our activities there as we have for over twenty four years.  However, the Philippine government said we are not allowed to return at this time.  In the meantime, we regularly, sometimes daily, communicate on the internet with Pastor Allen, our administrator.

Pastor Joey and his wife Connie continue to develop the  livelihood project.  Among other things, they are growing vegetables, raising chickens to sell, and making compost.

We completed a much needed new maintenance building. The building will keep things stored and protected from the weather and give an area to do maintenance type projects as well as be a garage for our new tricycle.  The old tricycle served us very well and lasted for about 20 years.

School has just started.  The students are required to practice social distancing and wear masks and be careful to use hand cleaners. According to the Philippine government website, in the Bicol region where Catanduanes is located, there are approximately  5.8 million people and so far there have been 17 deaths.  I was told that there has been one death on our island. Our village remains in semi lock down with people over 60 and children not allowed to travel or go to the market.

We are looking into the possibility of doing some classes on the internet with the school this fall.  It is amazing how the internet has changed our world!  When we first moved to the Philippines, it was difficult and very expensive to even call our friends and family in the United States.  Now we can call for free and even see their faces (if our internet is working well that day).

I often quote John 16:33  These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might  have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Tribulation is promised, but we have peace when we look to Him. And not only do we have peace, we are instructed to “be of good cheer.”  So today, I hope you are walking in peace, and yes, even are being of good cheer!

The Lord bless you!

Nels, Lorrie, and Amy