Though it didn’t receive much coverage in the U.S. media, Nock-ten was the strongest storm to hit the Philippines this late in the typhoon season since 1945. Over 300,000 people had to abandon their Christmas festivities and be evacuated to relief centers. Thankfully, there were minimal casualties, but the damage caused by the storm continues to affect the people of the Philippines.

In the Bicol region, two Encompass World Partners ministries and three partner churches were impacted by the typhoon. Pastor Cris Estaras and Pastor Franco Sta Teresa took immediate action to bring relief to those in desperate need. Encompass Crisis Response came alongside the Filipino churches, using donated funds to assist with the cost of damages, food, and medical relief.

Pastor Cris says, “Thank you for the relief you have sent. We have already visited four of the affected areas. Right after the typhoon, we distributed 25 packs of food for the nearest family/members, and my wife Marites cooked breakfast for them. Then after 2 days, we received 40 packs of goods from Marikina Grace Brethren, and we sent them to our two mission outreaches in the region. We brought first aid kits to assist and care for the wounded children in Pasacao, and we prepared food to feed them as well.”

These church communities are showing their neighbor sacrificial love, and their leadership in this time of crisis is exemplary for the people of God. Encompass is grateful to have such loving and compassionate partners in the Philippines. Please pray with us for the restoration of these areas and for the outreach ministries that occur daily.

Love God, love people. Always