10-1-09 Urgent Need for Relief in The Philippines

“My heart bleeds for the people of The Philippines,” shared Dr. Ofelia Viray, executive director of Grace Family Helper Project during a phone conversation this morning with Dr. Paul Maxfield, executive director of Children of Promise. Grace Family Helper Project is the local Children of Promise program in The Philippines, serving 731 children through Church of God congregations in 13 areas of the country. 

Dr. Viray continued, saying that recent flooding from Typhoon “Ketsana” swept away some of our children’s homes, severely damaged most, and caused massive loss of personal effects. In addition, the offices of Grace Family Helper Project were flooded, sustaining damage to food supplies for the children, records, and office equipment. Most of the children, volunteers and staff members in the metro Manila area sustained loss.

Typhoon “Ketsana”, also known as “Ondoy,” dumped 17 inches of rain on the Philippines in 12 hours on Saturday, September 26.  This is more rain than is normally experienced in the entire month of September. Backed up by blocked drains, the waters rose to 20 feet and more within a few hours.   Another tropical storm is expected this weekend. Further destruction is likely.

All areas served by the ministry of Grace Family Helper Project have been affected by the flooding.   The Virays shared that, thankfully, no lives have been lost from the sponsored children’s families. However, pressing needs include food, medicines, clothing, and kitchen items (all carried away in the flooding). 

Children of Promise, Church of God Ministries, and Women of the Church of God are appealing to our sponsors, donors, and churches for donations of funds for emergency relief for The Philippines immediately. Funds given through Children of Promise must be used for assistance to sponsored children and their families.    (We are only able to receive monetary donations.) 

Donations may be made through Children of Promise in the following ways:

a. Check sent to P. O. Box 2316, Anderson, IN 46018 indicating emergency relief for The Philippines. 

b. Credit or debit card donation over the website: go to www.echildrenofpromise.org, click on the button that says "Donate Online"and fill out the form and submit. Under Fund, select Emergency Fund, and in the comment box, write “Emergency relief for The Philippines.”

Phones:   1-800-848-2464 (ext. 2190) or 1-765-648-2190. 

Please join us in praying for and assisting the people of The Philippines.

As information arrives, periodic updates will be posted in this news section of the website.