Experiences and lessons learned

from the Sendong (Washi) debacle

By: Babes Mendoza

 

The world watched over Sendong’s fury and its aftermath with alarm and anxiety, the typhoon that affected and devastated parts of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan Cities. We who are residents of the place saw firsthand the resultant wreckage and the many heart-wrenching stories of those who survived and those who saw loved ones and other people perish before their very eyes.

More than a hundred families lost their respective loved ones, because of the typhoon.  There were accounts of some mothers who lost all their children.  Lots of fathers had also lost all members of their families and are now left alone to rebuild their shattered lives. The memories of the devastating flood that horrified or maimed them, and, in worst case, killed their loved ones do haunt them still up to this day.

Seeing the need and helping fill the void

The survivors’ need for help have obviously been overwhelming at Sendong’s aftermath. They need to rebuild their flattened homes (which the government promised to help build), rehabilitate their shattered source of income and livelihood, and restore dignity upon themselves. Most of all, they need to shore up their emotions and spirits in this period of calamity.  And for these, they need our support.

As Christians, it is during this time and tide of helplessness and devastation that they need our help. We, who know Jesus Christ, can slowly but surely introduce them to our loving Savior; who had suffered and died for their sins also. They would perhaps learn and appreciate what John 3:16 means if we are able to touch their lives from the inside out through being with them, understanding them, praying for them, and supporting them. Hurts could be reduced and healed faster if they feel and know that they have a support group (called Christians) that lovingly stand with them, by them, and for them. Our loving presence could be a demonstration that indeed Jesus can meet them where they are hurting most.

What we in the Arise ministry have done so far – and will be doing still

Just like many others who had the Good Samaritan’s heart, we tried to do our share of alleviating the victims’ miserable and distressing situations. Distributing clothes and food items, conducting medical mission and counseling – these we did to lighten their despondent, if not depressing, conditions. We shared the Gospel in the process, believing that Jesus came to save many of them who were lost.

Our investment or intervention dated back actually last summer time of 2011 when we conducted an evangelistic meeting in Balulang, one of the hardest hit barangays in Cagayan de Oro City. The said activity was the culmination of a two-week missions training among our 34 leaders in the ministry, who came all the way from different parts of Visayas and Mindanao. During the said evangelistic crusade, many in that place attended and responded to the Gospel. Then, some children and adults started to attend the Bible Studies every Sunday afternoon. The Word of God was planted and gradually worked in their respective hearts, and with that commitments have started to bloom. Many of those who perished from Sendong in that barangay heard the Gospel, and some were even attendees of Bible studies already. During the wake of some of those who perished, we shared how the Gospel prepared those who perished physically.

In Bayug Island of Iligan City, many had likewise perished because of the flood. Hundreds of families were gone and just a very few survived. Our Iligan brethren started a ministry in that island a few years ago.  It started with a few couples, and then it multiplied later into several families. Closed to 60 members were being followed up also every Sunday afternoon – through Sunday school for kids and Bible study for adults.

The Iligan brethren had their own stories of what happened during the typhoon. One family could not be found. One wife lost her husband, and another family lost their child. The rest had stories of how God saved them. Hence, children clung to coconut trees and other firm anchorage. They prayed hard and God saved them. One couple was carried off to as far as Camiguin Island, where they were eventually rescued. One family testified that, since it was dark and the water was raging, they prayed hard for direction and soon fireflies came in bunch and showed them the way.  Surely, God was still at work in the midst of the typhoon.

Since our resources are limited, we narrowed our help to these two communities that were hardest hit by Sendong. Here are some of the assistances/helps that ACM Ministry and Foundation had rendered so far:

-      Two days after the killer typhoon struck, and after recovering the dead bodies of some of our church members, ACM was one of the few Non Government Organizations (NGO’s) that distributed relief goods to the flood victims particularly in areas where the ministry has an outreach. In Cagayan de Oro City, we were able to give used clothes and food to at least 30 people (most are members of our church).  In Iligan city, the brethren around fifty (50) of them and some non-members were housed in one of the ministry apartments. They were accommodated and fed for two days. On the third day, they went to evacuation centers for processing by concerned government agencies.

-      After a week, when donations and goods started to pour in, the ministry donated more relief goods and some cash (for medicines) thru private agencies conducting relief operations (medical missions).

-      Last week of December, 2011, after burying our dead, some of our leaders visited the areas devastated by the typhoon and the brethren affected by the flood. The ministry gave some cash to these brethren directly hit by the flood.

-      Before the end of the December, 2011, our brethren again visited the ministry outreach in Balulang, Cagayan de Oro. This is the farthest of all parts of the city that were affected by the flood (people here rarely received relief goods since most of the goods were distributed in evacuation centers). We distributed relief goods and fed the kids.  We were able to distribute goods to about 200 people, excluding the children. This time the people were evangelized and most if not all of them accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Almost the same number of people in Iligan also received relief goods from our brethren.

-      First week of January, 2012, with the help of some doctors from other Christian organizations, the ministry conducted free medical clinics in both the cities of Iligan and Cagayan. In Iligan city, about 60 people were recipients to free medical consultation and medicines. These people also received some used clothes and canned goods. In Cagayan de Oro City, the same medical team served our brethren in Balulang.  We were able to serve approximately 100 people. Patients received free medical consultation and were also given free medicines.  In both free medical clinics conducted, the people were evangelized and most if not all of them received the Lord Jesus Christ into their lives.

-      Also during the 1^st week of January, 2012 we distributed kitchen utensils and slippers to some flood victims and some children were given school supplies.  Some of our brethren also conducted counseling and witnessing as they visited some of the evacuation centers. This they do almost every other day.

-       As more help are pouring in, the ACM Foundation leadership decided to help the victims in a more permanent way.  We plan to help the victims (especially our church members) build shelters in areas designated by government authorities.

The above-mentioned relief activities are only the start of the long engagement that we hope to be doing until their lives become normalized. Most of all, the regular witnessing and follow up that we have been doing with them is the thing we can always continue, since building them up in the Word of God and in their relationship with God is really the most important. 

We thank the Lord for the many brethren, both here in the Philippines and in foreign lands, and other organizations that really took time and effort to support us materially, and in prayer, so that we can pursue helping the needy and the victims help themselves in times of need.

Out of these sorties and engagements, we gleaned some insights in this humbling, learning journey of ours, to wit:

1. Life is short. Invest it on things that really matter. Surely, there are three things that really matter and that will last for eternity: God, His Word, and the souls of men. Let’s develop our relationship with God, know Him and love Him deeper, because, as Christians, we will spend eternity with Him. God’s Word will last forever, so let’s give much attention to studying, obeying and sharing it. Men will either spend eternity in heaven or hell. If they believe and receive Christ in their hearts, they will spend eternity with Jesus. Let’s spend time to be a blessing to others by word and deed so they will meet our Savior, too.

2. Let us live simply so that we can share (material resources and the Gospel) to those in need.  Jesus is our model. He left Heaven, came down to be a servant, and died for our sins, so that we can be reconciled to God and be citizens of heaven.

3. Live wisely. The Bible urges us to redeem the time, because the days are evil.  The fear and reverence for the Lord will enable us to live wisely.