In the last few months, devastating fires have impacted many areas of Cebu City, Philippines. Long-time ReachGlobal Crisis Response partners have been on the ground sharing the love of Christ to those in need amid this hard-hit area.

During a recent food distribution, one local pastor talked to some children in the area, and although they truly just want to have a home again, they loved hearing God’s story and singing songs with actions. As Pastors Jessie Leopoldo and Benjamin Maceren worked together to distribute food and share the hope of Christ with 100 families, they said:

“The joy and positivity of their heart is real in spite of their situation.”

Plans for how to continue serving Cebu City are underway. Local pastors will meet with adults for Bible study and encouragement. Lapulapu EFC will provide two workers to consistently visit the area for at least the first year. Having a weekly visit to the area is really helpful.

In this response effort, one thing the volunteers have recognized is the holistic benefit of feeding children who've been affected mentally, physically, and emotionally by this crisis. Food brings comfort and opens up opportunities for the gospel. Another goal of the response is to start a house church in the area, which has local families hopeful about the future.

Although we praise God for these plans, there are still many needs to be filled, such as:

• Training in debriefing and counseling for the two new workers
• Fnancial support for transportation, feeding and church planting.

Because of generous gifts to ReachGlobal Crisis Response, an initial gift has already been sent to Cebu City, but there are still many ways you can get involved, both financially and prayerfully.

How you can help

Pray. Above all, join us in praying for:

• All those impacted by these devastating fires
• Local pastors working diligently in the impacted areas and sharing the love of Christ to those in need
• Many come to faith in Jesus Christ through the local Bible study
• The children of Lapulapu as they navigate this new normal and receive food for both their bodies and souls
• The funding to put these plans into place

Give. If you'd like to give, ReachGlobal Crisis Response has a Partner Fund that is used in emergent needs situations such as this. You have the opportunity to help the families impacted by these devastating fires by contributing a monthly, annual or one-time gift. To give to the response or learn more about how to get involved, click here or email crisisresponse@efca.org.