Calamity

Greetings from the tropics!

Well, it has been a while! Since Amy and I returned in September several weeks have passed and several things have happened. The Philippines has suffered through a lot in the past two months. On October 15 the island of Bohol (an island to the southwest of Cebu) was hit by a 7.1 magnitude earthquake. Several were killed and many more injured by falling buildings and rubble. Several towns were destroyed and roads made inaccessible. We also felt the quake here in Cebu. I was in north Cebu so it wasn't so strong where I was, but there was a lot of damage in the city. None of our brethren were affected, but we all were definitely shaken up. There were also aftershocks for several weeks, and last Sunday (a whole month after!) we felt another one. The Lord has taken very good care of us.

Later in October, Amy and I had a rather startling afternoon. After church on the 27th we were cleaning up at the BSC and suddenly Francis, the son of one of our sisters, came running up yelling "sunog!" Sunog is the Cebuano word for fire! Evidently the taxi garage behind the apartment Amy and I share had caught on fire! We ran home and saw a huge plume of black smoke rising to the sky from behind our apartment. We ran in to grab our important documents and a couple things (note: the fire didn't make it to our house) and hurried out, looking out my bedroom window to see huge flames engulfing the facility behind our apartment! Because of the speedy response of the local fire unit and the firewall on our apartment we had no damage. In fact, the garage was the only place that was affected. God was watching out for us again.

Most recently has been Super Typhoon Yolanda (International name Haiyan) which hit the Philippines on November 8. The northern Cebu and the islands of Leyte and Negros have been greatly affected by this typhoon. From what I understand this is the worst typhoon in recorded history. Thousands are dead and unaccounted for, and there is millions of dollars of damage and repairs that must be done before people can try to begin their lives again. Several of our brethren have been affected too, especially in Leyte. I'm sure you've heard of the efforts that are underway internationally to raise funds and help provide for these people. The brethren here have been very active in trying to help those affected and have been working hard to alleviate the situation of those who need food and shelter. Members have been doing everything from volunteering to assist repack relief goods to helping with medical missions, and even bringing relief to those affected. Members have also been volunteering to help house those who have evacuated to Cebu City to escape the difficulties. My grandfather is working with members here to help distribute food and money to those who are in need. If you would like to help financially you can send your checks/money to:

The Nueces Canyon Church of Christ

PO Box 263

Camp Wood, Texas

78833

Be sure to mark the check or include a note that it is for "Typhoon Relief". The money will go into a fund for providing food, building supplies, and any other need the brethren and their neighbors in the areas hit by Yolanda might need. The Nueces Canyon Church of Christ in Camp Wood, Texas is the sponsor of my grandfather Ken Wilkey and Bob Buchanan, and they will oversee the distribution of these funds. Also, a benevolence work based here in Cebu City called Lilia's Place is accepting funds for the relief efforts. You can donate online at the following website:

http://liliasplace.bellstrike.com/donate

The Philippines has suffered a lot, yes, but there has been plenty of joy. We have a new sister, Floreda Sumayo, who has been our student for the past few sessions of classes at the BSC. She is an older lady of about 70 who is always smiling and always has a laugh and hug to share. She has also brought her granddaughters to join our assembly and youth activities, and has even helped us repack relief goods!

The way that our brethren here in Cebu City have helped those affected by the typhoon is so encouraging! People finish work in the late afternoon and sacrifice their evenings to help repack goods, they have donated clothing, and they are looking for more ways to help. The assistance from the brethren in other countries has been overwhelming, too. Seeing how our family has pulled together from all over the planet to help those who have this great need has been so encouraging and I am so proud to be part of something so great.

Classes have been going well for us. Kids' classes and adult classes are still ongoing as well. Due to all this chaos from the typhoon and relief efforts things in the city have been a little crazy, but we have several good students. Grandpa is currently staying with Amy and I, and I have been enjoying having him with us. Mom and Dad are currently in the US on "vacation", though they've extended their stay to try and raise more money for relief. The rest of us are doing well. Because of all that has been going on recently we are all a little under the weather, but the Lord has given us the strength to press on and keep working. For that we are grateful.

Please continue praying for all those who are still affected by the typhoon and earthquake. Also please pray for our new sister Floreda and her new life in Christ. Lastly, please continue praying for us and the efforts we have to reach out to those who need Jesus. 2013 is almost over and what a year it has been! Until next time...

In him,
Sara Murrell :)