Handing out relief to victims

The most desperate needs in the earliest days following the earthquake were for clean drinking water (bottled water), food and shelter. The cost of a bottle of water at that time increased to 3 times the original amount. For some it cost a whole day's salary for one bottle of water. Water became a precious commodity. Rice more than doubled in price. Gasoline, when available, was 3 to 4 times the normal cost. When electricity was restored, it was twice the normal cost. The fastest and most economical way to provide basic needs was to send cash to trusted individuals who could purchase the items locally. 

We have a network of 24 trusted Filipino pastors who care for the almost 900 children sponsored by FCM. We send money to those pastors every month for the needs of the children. The pastors report to us every month on how the money is spent. We used that network of trusted and proven pastors as the channel to provide assistance for earthquake and typhoon victims. 

The money you sent was first used for water, food, shelter, gasoline, medicines, first aid supplies and other emergency needs.  Additional funds you sent later were used to rebuild destroyed homes and churches and for clothing and household needs, especially for sponsored children and their families and for the FCM pastors and their families.

There was chaos the first couple of weeks because utilities (electricity and water) were not available. Many homes were destroyed so thousands were without shelter. We immediately began to contact our pastors who live on Bohol and care for our sponsored children. Phone service was a problem because there was no way to charge their phones and many cell towers were down or not functioning, but eventually we reached all of our Bohol pastors. We are thankful for 2 solar phone chargers that were donated. They were a big help.

Pastor's home fell into the sea during the earthquake. His 3 year old daughter fell in with it but was rescued.

One pastor in a coastal city lost his home when it fell into the sea. Everyone got out except his 3-year old daughter who went into the sea with the house. Two of our high school sponsored children were living with the pastor's family. They jumped into the water and were able to find the little girl in the debris and pull her to safety. God was with them. The church pastored by that pastor was also totally destroyed. We have helped to rebuild the pastor's home and are now working on rebuilding the church. A special thing has happened here. Before the earthquake, the church averaged about 30 people every Sunday. When we were there last March, the church was averaging 70 people on Sundays and was being used by relief groups as a feeding station. The church was still just a roof and poles with a few rough benches made from logs. Most people coming had to stand for the services, even in the hot sunshine. Still they came looking for the life only Jesus can give.

Rebuilding homes.

Current needs being met: The re-building of homes and churches continues. The Filipino people are resilient and they overcome obstacles. They are working hard to bring things back to be better than before. Because of the extensive destruction, the needs of many families is great. Many could no longer pay the fees and other requirements for school. Because of the generosity of you Sponsors, Partners and Friends, we have been able to provide education and nutrition to more than 100 children directly impacted by the disasters last fall.