Please pray for those affected by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan is the international name). It is the strongest storm ever to make landfall in recorded history and the fourth strongest storm recorded. 25 million Filipinos were affected by the storm's rain and 195 mph winds. Pray for the local churches and ministries who are helping people pick up the pieces after the devastation caused by Yolanda. To support those affected by Typhoon Yolanda, visit betsyandalex.com/YolandaPH http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQRu3NU0JMs
UPDATE: While Betsy and Alex have been unaffected (minus a power outage for a few hours), most of the central portion of the Philippines was affected. Here is a summary from one of our AGWM missionaries:
"Many Christians across the Philippines and the world were praying that Yolanda would weaken with minor destruction and that there would be few deaths. An earthquake comes suddenly without warning but a Typhoon gives a few days of warning to give Christians an excellent opportunity to pray earnestly. The complete report on the destruction that was caused by this storm but the silver lining is that there were few deaths and the total is not expected to be high. Yolanda did weaken from a maximum wind gusts of 379 km per hour to 268km per hour according to the Navy’s Joint Typhoon Warning Center. This typhoon did not bring extreme rains and the people heeded the warning as 748000 people sought shelter in government evacuation centers. Many expected that this worlds strongest storm of 2013 would bring a higher death toll. TO GOD BE THE GLORY that the death toll was low. The Philippines suffered the world's strongest storm of 2012, when Typhoon Pablo left about 2,000 people dead or missing in southern Mindanao. There was one death recorded so far in Bohol where the recent earthquake 7.1 magnitude has left 350000 still living in vulnerable temporary shelter. Yes, God did answer our prayers but we need to be ready now to help the victims of Yolanda even before the final report comes in. It is a great privilege for me to work with the PGCAG and AGMF team!
Let us pray now for: 1 Restoration to complete health for victims who are injured 2 Sufficient resources that would be more than enough 3 For wisdom to know God’s priorities in the distribution of relief goods. 4 For sufficient help for buildings and other property damage. 5 Pray also for 1000’s of Filipinos to come to Christ as AG members and churches become God’s shining light to bring hope to those living in fear and help especially to the helpless and most needy."
Here is more information from AGWM Communications Director Randy Hurst:
"No doubt you have seen on the news that horrific devastation is taking place in the Philippines because of typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda)that struck the Philippines last night. With sustained winds of 195 mph and gusts as strong as 235 mph, Haiyan may be the strongest tropical cyclone to hit land anywhere in recorded history. Knowing this typhoon was going to hit, our AGWM personnel in the field had already contacted us and AG World Missions advanced $20,000 to the field yesterday for purchase of relief supplies, anticipating the need. Convoy of Hope has already deployed an assessment team to the Philippines and has meals for their children’s feeding program on hand in the Philippines that can be utilized immediately for relief distribution. Many members of your congregation will want to help the many who are suffering in the Philippines. Please let them know that the Assemblies of God and Convoy of Hope are already engaged on the ground in relief efforts together in the Philippines. Please have your congregation pray for our fellow AG believers in the Philippines. Many are suffering greatly because of this crisis. It is too early to have adequate communication concerning how many have been affected. Also pray for our missionaries, relief workers and Convoy of Hope personnel who are participating in relief efforts t help thousands of suffering people."