JECPP CONDUCTS TYPHOON ODETTE RELIEF OPERATION IN SURIGAO CITY

JECCP CONDUCTS TYPHOON ODETTE RELIEF OPERATION IN SURIGAO CITY

By Roland Baybayon

 

On December 16, 2021, a super typhoon locally named “Odette” (international name “Rai”) hit the Philippines. With maximum sustained winds reaching 195km/hr and gustiness reaching 240km/hr, Typhoon Odette wreaked havoc and catastrophe to the communities in its path. One of the towns badly hit by the typhoon was Surigao City – the capital of Surigao del Norte. The typhoon caused immense damage to houses and infrastructure in its path. Leaving communities without potable water, power, and communication due to toppled communication towers, power, and transmission lines. Typhoon Odette wiped out billions of pesos worth of agricultural goods and displaced thousands of people of which some remain in evacuation camps.

Driven by compassion to those in need, JECPP (Jireh Evangel Church Planting Philippines) organized a relief operation to distribute to the affected families of Barangay Nabago, Surigao City last February 18, 2022. A total of 300 families were able to receive the relief goods, 283 families in Barangay Nabago, and 17 families in Panasalan Island. Evangel Family Church-Cagayan De Oro City, led by Pastor Andrew Kwong, facilitated the distribution. It was made possible by the efforts of the volunteer team: Pastor Roberto Padinit, Pastor Jefferson Ouano, Bro. Nelson Simpas, and Bro. Roland Baybayon. It not only provided food sustenance to the families for days but more importantly it has brought hope to their hearts.

The word of God that they heard before the start of the relief operation opened their hearts to the gospel and the conversations during the entire relief operation surely gave them the encouragement and realization that God cares for them and God will never leave them nor forsake them.

Truly, as the Bible says, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God’ (Matthew 4:4). The seed of the word of God was planted in their hearts and we believe that the harvest will come in God’s time.

The smiles in their eyes showed the joy in their hearts for the blessings that they received and gratefulness to the people who showed kindness to them. The entire relief operation is made possible because of the love and generous giving that Evangel Singapore have shown. God be praised, and thanks to Rev. Dr. Robert Lim, Evangel Family Church Singapore and JECPP! Glory to God!