We are so blessed in 2013 to have the Internet with e-mail, Skype, Google Hangout, etc., allowing us to easily talk with or send messages to people all around the globe. This past week, I “coincidentally” reunited (via Facebook) with a dear friend I met in the Philippines in 1993. Only one day later, she was able to share with me that she and her family were safe—even though her home was no longer in existence, and the church where her husband pastors had an entire section wiped out. The majority of their church members lost their homes. But her words to me touched my heart: “Thank God everybody is safe.” She’s right—that’s what matters.
“Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.” (Proverbs 25:25, NIV)
In keeping with the thought from our Bible reading today—that God is compassionate—I want to share a link that my friend from the Philippines sent to me when I asked her how I could help. Please note that I must legally tell you that I am not responsible for any funds that you send, but I will also add on a personal note that I know this is a sincere need, and that they have set it up in a way that will keep them accountable, and that they will use the funds wisely—100% going directly to the need. (Please note that the listing of giving options is necessary—running to the ATM or the nearest bank to transfer funds is not an option in Aklan! I personally think the easiest, fastest—the need is NOW—and safest way is to use the “send money” tab in PayPal and use the e-mail address listed under the PayPal option to send funds.)
The top picture on the left in the blog post (“Help Rebuild Banga” written over the top) is my friend Bing-Bing’s church building, where her husband pastors; they lived in the parsonage—which is no longer standing. The need is great. I encourage you, if you so choose, and only if God leads you to do so, to consider this as a way to demonstrate compassion today to our needy sisters and brothers in Christ in the Philippines.
Click here to learn how you can show compassion to the church of
my friend Bing and her husband, Rehum Baldimor, in the Philippines.
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Thank you!