Reflections after Haiyan

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Written by CWR intern Hannah Gaskins on November 15, 2013

It seems like an ordinary day as I start my daily tasks of mailing Covenant World Relief materials to churches around the country, but today is different. On Friday, the detrimental typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines and since then the aftermath has dominated newsfeeds around the world. As the death toll continues to rise, response teams are mobilizing and attending to those who have been left in the wake of this disaster. I was asked to put together a simple PowerPoint of photos from the area for use in a gathering at North Park University. As I began to look through photos, it was hard for me to remember to breathe. These were photos of homes, of lives that were being lived, and then everything changed. It’s hard to imagine losing a home like that and it can be even harder to move forward when basic needs become something difficult to fulfill.

Thankfully, there are people and organizations who are responding. One of Covenant World Relief’s partners in the Philippines is the Philippine Relief and Development Services (PHILRADS). This is an organization that is partnered with local evangelical churches, other Christian organizations, and the government to meet needs of the community. I am grateful for those who are responding and they are a constant reminder of God’s faithfulness even through times of great loss. John 1:5 says, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” I am grateful for those who are spreading God’s light when it might seem too dark. I am grateful for those who are giving of their time, money and prayers, and in that gratefulness, I can breathe.

Pray for those who have been affected by the typhoon and pray for those who are responding.

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