Over the past two weeks, life/ministry in Manila has been a rollercoaster of emotions. Confronted with the aftermath of devastating fires and floods that have impacted thousands upon thousands of families, our hearts break. The constant rains from two tropical storms have wreaked havoc, with nine people killed in landslides or flash flooding, destroyed homes, cancellation of local schools, and leaking roofs everywhere- including ours:)
Amidst the ocean of staggering needs in Manila (the most densely populated city in the world with 119,000 people per sq mile), our hearts can easily be overwhelmed. Yet we know what to do. We sit at the feet of Jesus and then do what He tells us. We offer our little lives and our little lunch…One day at a time. We recently prayed with a woman who lost her home in a fire, and although her physical needs remained huge, she experienced great joy and comfort in His presence. She kept hugging and thanking us because Jesus has not forgotten her! Additionally, our efforts to distribute food to families affected by the flooding resulted in what appeared to be a multiplication, as more bags of rice/food appeared until every at-risk family had received much-needed help.**
Thank you for praying for our team and all that Jesus is doing in Manila!
** Full disclosure: we have attended outreaches where the pastor set some food aside for families not in attendance. We tried to ask if this was the case but have yet to get a clear answer. Regardless- we rejoice!
