URGENT REQUEST
from Dr. Karl Eastlack, CEO
World Hope International
Immediate Help Needed in the Philippines
A rash of severe weather has caused massive flooding and triggered deadly landslides in the Philippines. More than 450 have died and Reuters reports that the storms have caused at least $258 million worth of damage to crops and infrastructure on the island of Luzon.
Damage to churches, homes, businesses and schools has been extensive; and thousands of people have been displaced.
A local pastor near Manila recently wrote to us, "While the mess in Metro Manila brought by Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) is not yet settled, another Typhoon "Pepeng" has caused extensive damage in the Central and Northern part of the Philippines.
Our Wesleyan partner churches in Metro Manila have already identified 347 families directly affected by the storms.
Reports from the Northern part of the Philippines confirm extensive damage there as well. Many areas cannot yet be reached because the roads are impassable."
World Hope International is preparing to respond.
The needs are great, including clean-up of schools, churches and homes, repairs to damaged structures; and the restoration of functional classrooms, worship centers, and businesses will just be a start.
In the midst of profound trauma, we are eager to facilitate the process of healing and restoration in those directly affected by the storms.
While disaster has struck throughout Asia recently (India, Indonesia, Samoa etc.), our existing, strategic partnerships in the Philippines make it the most appropriate location for WHI to respond at this time.
Together with the Wesleyan Church of North America and the Wesleyan Church of the Philippines, WHI will provide updates as more specific information is available.
To help now, you can make contributions online at www.worldhope.org by clicking the "Donate Now" button. When the page of giving options appears, select "Disaster Relief" and proceed to check out. Simply enter "Philippines" in the comment line. Alternatively, you can mail your check to: World Hope International, P.O. Box 96338, Washington, DC 20090-6338. Please note "Philippines" in the memo field on your check.
Thank you for responding generously. Please keep the people of the Philippines in your prayers during this time of crisis and loss.
Dr. Karl Eastlack
CEO, World Hope International
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