The shantytown community was totally destroyed. Photo courtesy of OM.

On May 27, a poor shantytown community in the Philippines was destroyed by a fire of unknown causes. The destruction left 1,500 people homeless and two children dead.

"The landscape changed overnight," Grace, a ministry partner, said. "What used to be a crowded [shantytown] is now a massive rubble of ember, charred galvanized sheets, and smoking cement slabs. The narrow alleys have become wide open spaces. The shoreline that was once lined with stilt houses is now just a sandy beach, save for a few concrete structures like the mosque that survived."

In partnership with OMF, SIM missionaries work in a learning center and a drug rehab project in the neighborhood. The learning center was completely destroyed, including a newly renovated counseling room.

James, an SIM short-term associate from the U.K., lamented, "I feel such a loss, not for the material things that were destroyed, but for the center itself. It's been my second home in the Philippines. It's also a safe and fun place for our guys in the drug project to come."

Now, the ministry partners are turning to meet the most urgent needs of the community during the time of crisis. They have established a feeding program to provide meals for the homeless and are working to provide other emergency relief.

	Distribution of relief. Photo courtesy of OM.

Give

If you would like to help extend a hand of compassion in Christ's name, you may give to project PH 98197. Give online

Pray

• For God to strengthen those who are giving relief.
• For the ministry of relief to draw people to Christ.
• For protection for the members of the drug rehab project and that God will continue the transformation in their lives.
• For the believers to be comforted and strengthened as they rebuild their lives.