Lectures in Tacloban End

My day started about 5am again today as I needed to do work on charts and complete packing before leaving for the lectures. John, Lordy and I all met for breakfast at 7am and discussed what lessons to give today and what order should be for those lessons. We then left for the lecture – all of us in one tricycle. Lordy sat mostly on my lap and John was on the back part of the driver’s seat. The little engine on the tricycle thought it could for a long time before it finally did :-).

We began the lectures with singing as always. Since several of the denominational people who attended yesterday were not present at the time to start the first lecture, we decided to change our planned schedule of lessons. We started with me teaching from Luke 9 and Luke 14 on “Counting the Cost.” Several of the attendees came during the lesson and were able to hear the points made. Te lesson was also given for the benefit of several new converts who have attended the lectures and have been very happy to hear things that have helped them to grow more quickly. They have been very expressive of their thanks for the opportunity, demonstrating their joy in learning more of God’s word. Several of them have 4 or more children, but have stayed with them all day to hear for the 8 to 9 hours of lectures each day.

Lordy Salunga preached next on Calvinism, giving special concentration to the teaching of “Total Hereditary Depravity.” It was an excellent lesson! I plan to copy his charts and preach the lesson at home. The lesson was much needed and well received by the denominational visitors whom I noted nodding affirmatively as Lordy made his points. His lesson was the most thorough and powerful sermon I have heard on the subject. It was logical, clear and compelling.

We finished the morning session with me preaching on “Salvation & Saul.” The lesson stressed that Saul (or Paul) was NOT saved at the point of (a) faith only, (b) the personal appearance of Jesus, (c) repentance and prayer, or (d) receiving a miracle. Instead, it showed Paul was saved at the point of water baptism for the remission of sins.

During several lectures with denominational people in years past, it has become clear that there is much confusion due to the premillennial doctrine. So, a lesson on the topic was specifically requested for this lectureship. I preached on the subject for a little over 2 hours. At the first, it was obvious the denominational folks were very confident in their belief of Premillennialism, even nodding agreement to the points of the doctrine as I explain what it teaches. However, as the lesson progressed, their expression went from concern to shock to consideration to open agreement with the point of refutation to the doctrine. By the end of the lesson, several made clear their acceptance of the truth and rejection of Premillennialism.

After that lesson, we had another question and answer period. Two denominational preachers took the lead in two different lines of questioning. The first was an attempt to justify the use of instrumental music in worship. That ended fairly quick with an admission that they could not explain why they would accept instrumental music in worship, but not burning incense, though both were commanded in the Old Testament. So, the topic shifted to questioning whether baptism is necessary for the remission of sins or salvation. The first effort was to ask about the man who was sick and dying, but not able to be baptized. When that failed, several other attempts were made. Finally, one of them settled on Romans 10:9-10 mentioning faith and confession, but not baptism. I asked the man to read Luke 13:3 and then asked if that sick man could be saved without repenting. After several attempts to evade, he finally admitted the man could not be saved without repenting. I reminded him that repentance is not mentioned in Romans 10:9-10, so he recognized that all needed for salvation was not found in just those two verses, but all that God says must be accepted and obeyed – including baptism.

Jonathan finished the lectures with a lesson on “Obedience.” It was fantastic! My plan is to copy that one as well. (Lordy and John are both excellent preachers in their own languages and in English as well – I wish all of you could have heard their great lessons!) John then extended the invitation for those in attendance to obey the gospel. I know of no way John could have done a better job in giving the lesson, from start to finish. His content was clear and convincing. His presentation was filled with Scripture and powerful in delivery. I am so blessed to be working with these brethren who are among the best I have ever heard.

When the invitation was extended, seven (2 men and 5 women) came to be baptized. Of that number, three were denominational preachers – the 2 oldest women and the oldest of the men. The local brethren made arrangements to baptize the seven as we had to finish some business with the venue and get on the road.

We are now in the lobby of the hotel in Tacloban while they load the van with our bags. I am hurrying to get off this report by e-mail, but will probably have to wait on posting it to the blog with pictures until after we get to Ormoc City – a 2-hour drive from here. God bless!

Brotherly, Harry O.

Lectures Start in Tacloban

Since I had finished preparations early yesterday, I got to bed early last night -- just before 10pm. I got up about 5am and did some more work on charts to change a few things, then went for breakfast about 7am. Lordy Salunga and Jonathan Carino joined me and I enjoyed being with them as we had some time to catch up and discuss today’s work.

We got to the venue about 9am and found that the invited crowd had not yet arrived. This is not unusual as these things normally get started “on Filipino time,” about 30 minutes to an hour or more late. We sang for a while as the guests arrived. Between 9:30 and 10, we finally got started with the lectures. Attendance was about 40 – about 25 less than expected. This problem has plagued us in Tacloban and other parts of Leyte for some time as the “Ministerial Alliance” has actively sought to dissuade people from attending our lectures. Even so, about half of the crowd was from various denominations, including several denominational preachers. Most of those present seemed very interested and receptive as we began our studies. Two exceptions were obvious in two men claiming to follow Judaism. It was a new experience for me in this country to have two Filipino Jews present with skull caps and menorah t-shirts. They left at the lunch break and did not return.

I started the lectures with some introductory statements concerning us and our purpose in having the lectures, then turned to a lesson on “The Inspiration of Scripture.” John followed with a lesson on the periods of Bible history and the law binding in each one. After lunch, I presented “A Study on Bible Authority” which has three parts each taking about an hour to cover. Lordy followed with a lesson on “Identifying the One True Church.” We closed the day’s studies with a question and answer period. One of the most outspoken questioners was a denominational preacher (Baptist, I think) who had attended previous lectures we have held in this area. He seems far more open and closer to an understanding of truth than he has in times past.

You may find it amusing that our transportation to and from the venue was by tricycle. These are common throughout the Philippines. They consist of a small motorcycle with a Filipino-size sidecar attached. Of course, I am not Filipino-size, so it is an adventure for me to squeeze in and out of these things. I always provide a little levity to the local population when I use the tricycles.

Before eating supper at our hotel, I am sending this report from a wifi area in the lobby. To set the seen for you, there is constant noise that is very annoying to me. Part of the noise comes from a Halloween decoration that runs an endless loop of a song supposed to be coming from a deep-voiced ghost over a background of organ music that drives on nuts. However, that noise is better than the other source of irritation – Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” playing every five minutes. One has no right to protection from cruel and unusual punishment in this country.

Arrived in Tacloban

Atoy Franco picked me up from the hotel this morning and dropped me off at the airport where I met Lordy Salunga. Lordy and I then flew to Tacloban on the island of Leyte. When we arrived at Tacloban, Jonathan Carino and 3 other brethren from Cebu met us. On the way to the hotel, I found out that our schedule was slightly altered due to a change of venues. As a result of the change, we had no lectures scheduled this afternoon, but all were shifted to begin tomorrow and run through Saturday evening rather than ending on Saturday afternoon.

Having the afternoon free gave us an opportunity to print all outlines for the studies ahead of time rather than having to send them for printing just prior to each lesson. We also had time to plan the lesson order and set a schedule as to who would cover the various topics to be addressed. In the past, we have always started these lectures with denominational preachers immediately upon arrival and we have had no opportunity for preparatory time. I feel things are in better order for the start of this lectureship than any over the past years. This evening, we also made some contingency plans if the typhoon causes a change in our schedule.

Typhoon Mirinae (known as Santi in the Philippines) continues to bear down on the Philippines as it gets much stronger. Maximum sustained winds are now over 100mph and are expected to increase until time of impact. The forward speed has increased so that landfall is now expected to be about 2am Saturday, local time. At present, Manila still seems likely to receive a direct hit. Though the Philippine models have forecast a northern drift, it has continued to go south of projections. The only good news at this point seems to be that it is moving faster than expected so as to clear the area faster and yield less total rainfall. Please pray that the storm will spare this country of further damage.

The hotel in which we are staying has many pictures related to the World War II invasion of General Douglas MacArthur and the US forces to re-take the Philippine Islands from Japanese control. There is even a museum attached to the hotel with artifacts of the event. The décor and furnishings seem to be of 1940’s origin as well.

Must go for now and get some charts ready for tomorrow. Your prayers and support are so encouraging. Please keep praying that we may be used by the Lord to preach His word as we ought and honest souls may receive it gladly.

Brotherly, Harry O.

Preaching in Manila

Atoy Franco came to pick me up in his car about 11am. Elijah Sekat and his brother, Daniel, came with Atoy and we drove to the meeting place of the brethren with whom they labor. The church meets in the house of a family that was converted not long ago. As may be seen in the pictures, the house is very small. It is a rough concrete block structure measuring about 10 feet wide by at most 15 feet deep. Into that space, we had about 30 to 35 in attendance. Several were from another congregation nearby that is still flooded out of their meeting place. Several others were from various denominational churches. I preached on “A Godly, Growing Life” from Col. 1:9-11. The message was well received with several questions asked afterwards.

After the conclusion of the meeting, one visitor asked me some questions that had to do with evidences for the Bible being the inspired word of God. We discussed her questions for some time and I think she is honestly searching for the truth. I gave her suggestions of things she should read and points to consider from Scripture, especially regarding fulfilled prophecy. The new congregation seems very blessed with numerous prospects in the area of their meeting place. The housing area where they meet is a newly constructed addition built by the government to relocate people who were living in an section taken over by the government for a new railroad construction project. The addition joins up to a large maximum security prison. Fortunately, there were no breakouts while we were there.

By the way, in my discussions with brethren today including areas badly damaged by the floods from Pepeng, they all report that no further funds for benevolent help are needed at this time. I was very glad to see the need already met and to see the desire among our brethren to receive no more than absolutely necessary. It speaks well of those who met the need from the US and those who are determined to limit the need for that benevolence and do all they can for themselves with their limited resources.

As we drove to and from the meeting place, we were often stalled in the notorious Manila traffic. At one point, we stopped by an electric pole where I took this picture. It gives new meaning to the term "power grid." Any electricians like to make a schematic of this one?

Tonight will be spent in preparing for the lectures with denominational preachers that start tomorrow afternoon, the Lord willing. Please keep this effort in your prayers as we try to spread the gospel to those willing to give us a hearing. Thank you again for your support and prayers to this point. May the Lord use each one of us as He wills in His service.

Brotherly, Harry O.

From Manila

After a 29-hour commute, I arrived safely in Manila last night about 10:15pm local time (9:15am 9/27 CDST). The longest leg of the trip was the flight from Atlanta to Tokyo. It was a little over 14 hours in flight time, but we were on the plane over 16 hours including loading, taxing and just sitting there. Due to a typhoon off the eastern side of Japan, our flight routing was well west of the normal route. We flew over northern Alaska, down the far eastern side of Russia, down the Kamchatka peninsula and right down the middle of the Japanese islands. The flight was a bit rough almost the whole way, but not unbearably so. The bumping and rocking were a good incentive to sleep which I did for the vast bulk of the time. My stomach was not adversely tested until I ate the airline food a few hours out of Japan. I can promise you that the "eggs" never saw a hen, but the cardboard gently folded into a slightly yellow colored mush were of unknown origin and inedible quality.

In about an hour, the Lord willing, I will start working with Atoy Franco. I am scheduled to preach for the congregation where Atoy and Elijah Sekat labor. After that, we will go to other places that they have arranged. It will be a short day ending about 6 or 7pm so that I can get back and rest for the start of the full schedule of lectures with denominational preachers that will begin tomorrow in Leyte.

Since I arrived well after dark last night, I could not see any typhoon damage on the drive to the hotel. However, this morning I saw some obvious damage to area properties when I looked out my room's window. I will probably see much more during today's journey.

When I read the newspaper this morning, I found there is another typhoon on its way to the Philippines. At present, it is fore-casted to hit on Oct. 31 or Nov. 1 (Sat. or Sun.). The track of this typhoon is to the south of the previous ones. The Manila area is evidently about the center of present track probabilities. Since Lordy Salunga and I are scheduled to fly to Leyte tomorrow, we will probably not see the heart of the storm, but will likely see some rain from the southern edge of it. One piece of good news, this typhoon is not nearly as strong as the previous ones that caused great damage here. Please pray that the storm will not further damage this country.

Here is a side story before I close that I found interesting because it reminded me of home. It seems the President of the Philippines does not like the fact that gasoline prices are rising. So, she issued an edict lowering prices to levels of about a month ago. The oil companies responded that they cannot buy oil at those prices and the edict would cause a shortage of supply. The government responded by telling the oil companies to lower prices immediately or they would be nationalized. The paper is full of statements demonizing the oil companies and threatening governmental takeover of the industry. Same story, only the industries change. Oh that government had the power to wave the magic price wand without adversely affecting supply! Does anyone take Economics 101 any more?

Must go for now. Thank you for helping make this effort possible. Please keep it in your prayers as you will be in mine. May God bless and keep you by His care.

Brotherly, Harry O.

Lastest News on Typhoon Lupit

Thu Oct 22, 12:04 pm ET
MANILA (AFP) – Typhoon Lupit was poised to slam into the north coast of the Philippines, forecasters said Thursday, as the cyclone-devastated nation sought foreign aid to rebuild and to fight a deadly outbreak of disease.
After an erratic track over the past few days, the typhoon was set to make landfall with gusts of up to 195 kilometres (121 miles) an hour, chief government weather forecaster Prisco Nilo told a news conference.
"With the eye so close to land, it is highly unlikely that the typhoon would veer north to Taiwan and spare the Philippines," Nilo added.
According to the current track given by the weather service, the eye was expected to pass just south of Aparri town on Luzon island's northeast coast around 5:00 am Friday (2100 GMT Thursday).
However, Nilo said the typhoon should be over land for no more than 12 hours. "This should mean comparatively less rainfall," he added.
Floods, landslides and disease killed 1,050 people over the past month in the wake of tropical storms Ketsana and Parma, and the authorities said nearly 1.3 million people were still living in flooded conditions.
Some 200,000 others were stranded at evacuation camps.

Another Typhoon to Hit Philippines

Typhoon Lupit (International name) or Ramil (Filipino name) is now headed towards the most devastated areas by the last typhoon. Filipino models have it hitting Aparri on the north end of Luzon (very near Tuguegarao) by Thursday morning and going west towards Laoag City and Ilocos Norte. Japanese models have it remaining just offshore to the north of Luzon and coming very close to land near Ilocos Norte. Either way, it would do much damaged to a region already badly hurting. Many of our brethren live in these regions and are already suffering hardship from scarce food sources, damaged shelters, illness from the flood waters and other forms of destruction. Please pray for it to decrease in strength and go further north.

According to typoon websites I have been monitoring, at this point, the typhoon has slowed and weakened, but shows signs of regaining more strength. Right now, maximum sustained winds are 175kph with gusts of 210kph (roughly 120 to 140mph). If you would like to see a website for real time reports on the typhoon as well as current satellite imagery, it can be found at Typhoon 2000 (http://www.typhoon2000.ph/). Thank you for your prayers.

Post from Ron Halbrook on Philippine Disaster

Dear brethren and friends,

This is an emergency plea!

I use caution in making appeals for financial help for Filipino brethren for several reasons (as much as possible the Philippine work must stand on its own if it is to be lasting; too many appeals can result in "burnout;" some brethren are frustrated over false appeals; etc.). There are rare occasions when tragedy and devastation are so widespread that the meager resources of our brethren are completely overwhelmed. A general alarm should be sounded on such occasions. When the saints of Judea were overwhelmed under such circumstances, Paul made a general emergency plea on their behalf to the brethren of Galatia, Macedonia, and Achaia (1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 8:1-5). Paul said some brethren gave "beyond their power" because they "first gave their own selves to the Lord" (2 Cor. 8:3, 5).

Early Saturday morning September 26 super typhoon Ketsana (local name Ondoy) hit the central and southern provinces of Luzon with furious power, resulting in the heaviest downpour on Manila in 40 years. Metro Manila's twelve million people got a month's worth of rainfall (13-14 inches) in six hours with a total of 16 inches in nine hours, twice the amount which devastated New Orleans in 2005 during Hurricane Katrina. This resulted in the worst flood in a century, leaving 80% of Manila flooded, some areas standing under 20 feet of water. Naturally, the poorest people were hardest hit because they tend to populate the low-lying areas. Many of our brethren are still suffering from lack of food and medicines. Floods not only destroy homes and sweep away possessions, they also spread sickness and disease.

Saturday afternoon October 3 another super typhoon named Parma (locally Pepeng) hit Luzon which was still reeling from the effects of Ketsana just one week earlier. Northern Luzon was hardest hit, especially the provinces of Cagayan and Isabela. As the storm moved through northeastern Luzon, winds exceeded 110 mph, with gusts even higher. Tuguegarao City, the capital of Cagayan Province, had 4.6 inches of rain dumped on it within a few hours. The mayor reported the worst damage in a decade. Some areas of northern Luzon got 16 inches of rain. Parma moved across northern Luzon and inundated the northwestern provinces, began moving out to sea, and then moved back and sat over the northwest -- again unleashing more wind and rain. Thus, the Ilocos provinces suffered a week of pounding! The results have been devastating.

As the news began to filter in, I was away from home preaching. Since returning home I have communicated with numerous Filipinos via e-mail and phone. I will share a sampling of firsthand reports by our brethren:

1. "Today, people are hungered including our brethren and joining for line up waiting to beg some relief foods and medicines. Luckily, no one died with our brethren here wherein I administered, but the present situation is to relieved their hungered and children and even the old are starting to have sickness like fever, flu, diarrhea… Business and jobs are paralyzed, and commodities were taking advantage with the high cost" (Jojo Tacbad, 9-30-09; Jojo works with three congregations: Betis, with 70 members; San Roque Guagua, with 35; Camp Venzon Arayat, with 27).

2. "The 5 congregation I worked for were all affected by the typhoon, some of their houses were washed away. It was horrible. Now they were falling in line, staying there, waiting for 8 hrs just to get some donations (i.e., food). Some of them fainted" (Jaime Bobis, 10-7-09). Jaime serves five congregations and reports on efforts to clean up and rebuild, and brethren are still standing in long lines to seek food from the government. "In fact some of the children are suffering from amoebaiasis, skin disease and diarrhea" (Jamie Bobis, 10-13-09).

3. "Regarding to the present situation of the brethren, recently they still coping to the huge destruction that left by this calamity. Still they repairing their houses that ruined by the flood, especially the houses where we gather for worship and services. They are depending... help from the local congregations here and abroad, from non-Christians and Government services, to sustain their basic necessities for everyday life while they are on the stage of recovery… In terms of my estimation of the financial needs among our brethren; $3,000.00 dollars for the seven congregations who really affected by this calamity (Sta. Mesa, Marilao, Tondo, Pasig, Cainta, Meycauayan and Taguig). These will cover their food (like sack of rice, canned goods, noodles) and materials needed for repairing of houses (like roofs, cement, lightings and lumbers)" (Abraham Cruz, 10-8-09; about 1/3 of the needed amount was received).

4. "We need here in my place some food, because some of the brethren here can't go to work for almost a week, that is why their financial needs, specially for the food is needed." He said the meeting place of the church at Salacot, San Miguel, Bulacan was washed away and they need funds to rebuild. (Leonardo Layusa, 10-8-09).

5. A phone call from Leonito Torreliza said brethren gathered at his house pleading for food and other help, and he could offer nothing but tears (10-10-09).

6. "The super typhoon 'Parma or Pepeng' devastated northern Luzon including the whole Ilocos region for almost 1 week with strong rains and wind… Today one week since the typhoon, the first bright sunlight we have after the constant rain. As we visit brethren this morning, everybody is out in the field trying to glean what is left by the typhoon. This makes life harder for all and everyone is in need and welcomes every drop of help" (Egdon Sabio, 10-10-09; he estimates only 10 % was harvested before the typhoon, which means brethren will suffer for months to come).

7. "Our house is the place where brethren comes because we are higher in location.... Nieves supply of rice and groceries last for just two meals. Brethren need food so badly" (Mat Sibayan, Sr., 10-10-09).

8. "Our priority needs are food and medicine for our rice crops ready to harvest was destroyed as it was flooded, some covered by sand and gravel and mud and some tore down by strong winds. The situation of the saints is very difficult as typhoon Pepeng stayed for 5 days in Ilocos Norte with heavy rains and strong winds, we thought we could not survived. Thanks God we are safe" (Vic Domingo, 10-7-09).

9. Messages were relayed through Virgilio Jacob: "All the Bibles and song books which they used for their Worship every Lord's day got wet and some are carried by the strong current of water. Members personal belongings are also carried by water" (Virgilio Jacob, 9-28-09). A fellow preacher was evacuating his family: "This is to avoid his family to got some sickness especially that assorted waste materials are floating around their houses and several casualties that are drawn from the strong current of water. Their house are partially damage and some of their personal belongings got wet and carried by the current of water" (Virgilio Jacob, 10-1-09).

10. "Ready to harvest palay [rice] and corn are already destroyed. Farming is the number one source of income of the people for their living (church members are included) and now they are facing much hardship due to the lost of their crops… Due to the effect of typhoon Ondoy and Pepeng (more than 10 billions pesos worth of damages to infrastructures, houses, crops, animals and several hundred of casualties are estimated by the National Disaster Coordinating Council - NDCC), the estimated amount needed by the members of the three congregations I am serving are more or less fifty thousand (P 50,000) pesos [equivalent to over $1,000]. This amount is for the members for their immediate needs. However, any amount you can extend or share to us will be highly appreciated" (Virgilio Jacob, 10-8-09).

11. "The MOST pitiful ones are the little children of these farmers, who don't understand the words, 'NO MORE COOKED RICE or NOTHING IN THE POT'…The problems of the farmers bother them -- such as food for their families, loans from the banks or loan sharks which amounts of money were used for the planting of rice and corn, fertilizers, insecticides, etc. Of course, they could not pay them, and next harvest season, these debts will become double because of high interest and amount of money for buying seeds for the next planting season which is next month, November to December, 2009. It will be harvested on February, March to April, 2010." Domie and his son Frankie are serving three congregations and the total number of souls is about 500 including children. (Domie Jacob, 10-9-09).

12. "We encountered close traffic road situation and saw many Electric posts downed, trees uprooted, and houses both partially and totally destroyed on the way! It is really hard to explain! To see the high waters still moving in the farms, in the residential, going down to the Cagayan River is very fearful thing! Many were crying because their Crops ready for harvest were totally disappeared, destroyed, and nothing they can get anymore! …Brethren, there are more harder situations happened here as result of this Typhoon so we just want to ask your prayers because I am getting so many valid request of urgent assistance from brethren all over the Region but I cannot help! I told them that we can only help them by our prayers!" (Rody Gumpad, 10-4-09). "There are 160 Active Congregations we have in our record covering Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Kalinga, Apayao, and Batanes!" (Rody Gumpad, 10-8-09).

This is only a small sample of the messages I have received from brethren in the provinces which were stricken. I also have messages from Ben and Elias Cruz, from Elijah Sikat, and from others in the Manila area. The Kapitbahayan church where Ben preaches was able to meet its own needs for the most part because they were not hit as hard as others, but many churches in the greater Manila area are in need.

For pictures, news reports, messages from Filipino brethren, and updates on relief efforts, access http://harryosborne.blogspot.com via the internet. Google Ketsana, Ondoy, Parma, or Pepeng to see additional graphic pictures made available by the media and individual Filipinos.

None of us can meet the overwhelming needs of so many brethren singlehanded or all at once, but surely our hearts will be open to do what we can. "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again" (Prov. 19:17). "For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath and not according to that he hath not" (2 Cor. 8:12).

I can put brethren in touch with Filipino saints so that funds can be delivered directly to them. Upon request, I am willing to act as a messenger to deliver funds to Filipino brethren. God willing, I will travel to Manila on October 30 to preach the gospel.

Individuals wanting to help may wish to keep a record of their donation for a tax deduction (the receipt required by the IRS for donations of $250 or more will be sent). In that case, checks can be made out to HELP A NEIGHBOR and sent to my address. All other checks from individuals can be written to RON HALBROOK, as well as all checks from churches, and can be sent to my address.

Above all, pray earnestly for God to relieve the suffering of these precious saints and their children. Pray not only for their physical needs, but also for God's consolation to give peace to their distressed hearts. "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (Ja. 5:16).

In Christian Love,
Ron Halbrook3505 Horse Run Ct., Shepherdsville, KY 40165-6954
(phone 502-955-1748; 957-6726)
(E-mail: halbrook@insightbb.com)

Ready with Contacts Needing Help

The benevolent needs from the effects of Ondoy (Ketsana) and Pepeng (Parma) continue to come in each day. It is clear that the damage has been very extensive and that an urgent need exists for food and medicine as well as clothing and shelter. If you are able to help in meeting these needs, please contact me by e-mail at harryo@pldi.net or rfh2005@pldi.net and I will be glad to put you in contact with those who need the help. I will also be glad to explain how you can easily and economically send funds to the Philippines via "MoneyGram" from your local WalMart store.

Manila Area. While the flood waters have mostly receded from the Manila area (with the exception of a few very low areas), there is a continuing need due to lost wages, destroyed food and housing content and many badly damaged shelters. Sickness from the contaminated flood water is also a large problem.

Northern Luzon. In many areas, the flood waters are a recurring problem in northern Luzon. The Laoag City and the Ilocos Norte region have been hit more than once as Pepeng has come back into that area to bring more flood waters. Tuguegarao City and some parts of Cagayan, Isabela and Kalinga faced continuing threats from floods due to flood waters coming from further upriver. High winds in all of these areas caused a great deal of destruction. I have received several very urgent requests for food from those who have not had sufficient food in days. My assessment of the situation is that the vast majority of these requests are from honest brethren regarding a legitimate need that is at crisis level in many cases.

Cases of Fraud. A very small number of people have taken advantage of this disaster to seek personal gain through false reports. While I stress this is a very small number of individuals acting in this ungodly manner, brethren should be aware of such activity. For instance, I have received one report from southern Mindanao claiming that the typhoon caused damage there and seeking a very large amount for supposed "benevolent" needs. In fact, neither Ondoy or Pepeng affected either Mindanao or the lower Visayas (the far south and central portions of the country). I have also received one report claiming that the whole northern island of Luzon was devastated with "thousands upon thousands killed." That is also false as only portions of Luzon were greatly harmed and the number of dead were not into the thousands. As far as I know at this time, I have no confirmed case of any brother or sister in Christ that died from these typhoons. Yes, the destruction was very great and far beyond the effects of most typhoons that hit the Philippines, but meeting the real needs can only be done by accurately and honestly stating the nature of the situation. I will continue to post only what I have verified as true from multiple, trustworthy sources. If I mistakenly fail in that attempt. I will correct it as soon as I learn of the mistake. I have communicated the responsibility of honesty and transparency to Filipino brethren who will receive the benevolence as you can read in the posting that follows this one.

Situation Update

As more communication is available, the degree of devastation left in the wake of the two typhoons and floods in the Philippines becomes more apparent. I will give a brief update of what I know about several sections of the country on the main, northern island of Luzon.

Manila Area

The Manila area is still largely without power in residential areas that are home to most of our brethren. Some areas are still waiting for flood waters to recede before cleanup can be started. Since the flood water is filled with disease-causing organisms, illness will be a great problem. The most immediate needs are for foods and medicine. Brother Ben Cruz reports that the needs for the Kapitbahayan church have been met from their own treasury plus some additional amount already received from brethren in the US. Others brethren in the area continue to have needs that have not yet been met. We are trying to come up with specific ways to get funds to those in need and will post that information as it becomes available.

Cagayan Valley Area

Parts of the Cagayan and Kalinga provinces were badly damaged by Pepeng and numerous brethren are in immediate need here is also for foods and medicine. I have been able to contact several brethren in this area who report the situation is very bad. As of this morning (my time), the storm was moving back towards the northern shores of Luzon bringing more heavy rain to this area. Tuguegarao is the largest city in this area, but much destruction has also taken place in the more rural areas. Crops have been washed away meaning a recovery to sustainable, local food production will take some time. Since I have worked a great deal in this area over the past 8 years or so, I know many of these brethren very well and can testify to their faithfulness and dedication.

Laoag City & Ilocos Norte

Though I have not been able to reach brethren in this area, I have talked with brethren who are in contact with some from this area. Laoag City and surrounding areas continue to be greatly damaged by Pepeng as it is closest to the storm’s movement back towards Luzon. Though Rody Gumpad is in Tuguegarao, he wrote this morning urging help for these brethren. He said: “After I talked with you, I called brethren in Ilocos and I was able to get information from Mat,Jr. [Sibayan], Redentor, and Bro. Vic [Domingo]. They all said that the damage there is also great because of the high waters up to chest! Mat, Jr. said that many houses there are still underwater while rain is still going! They said that some of the brethren lost their belongings when water had suddenly swept them! Many of their working animals were drowned and rice/food is also scarce now there! They further confirmed that the church building at Subec, Pagudpud where bro. Abraham Aguete is the local preacher, was totally destroyed by the landslide! I just want to let you know that they also need assistance in that area and they are ready to administer also for a fair distribution when there is an opportunity!”

What small amounts of government help that was available seems to have gone almost exclusively to the capital region around Manila. Thus, the Cagayan Valley and Ilocos Norte regions are going to be in a great deal of need.

Below are some links to paste in YouTube for videos about the typhoons and flooding

Shows Devastation from Ondoy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pAwx6gPF54

CNN report on Pepeng: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAI6YtYs8kM

Homemade video on Pepeng or Parma: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeWJvkIabYM

Report in Tagalog on Pepeng: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4n-bAwfQCc

Destruction from Typhoons in Philippines

Numerous brethren have asked for information about the condition of our brethren in the Philippines who have suffered 2 very damaging typhoons in the past week. Though this blog is normally used for updates of my preaching trips to the Philippines, I will be using it for the next few weeks to give updates concerning the effects of the typhoons and the benevolent need that exists among affected brethren.

The post on this blog previous to this one has excerpts and pictures from various worldwide media sources concerning the situation. I will continue to update the site with more information as it becomes available so that you may have some outside, objective reporting on the degree of devastation. You may also want to mark a website I have found helpful in giving weather information (http://www.typhoon2000.ph/) regarding typhoons in the Philippines. You may also want to visit the blog of brother Jerome Forelo who preaches in and around Tuguegarao(http://networkedblogs.com/p13634206).

Early this morning (Monday 10/05/09), I reached several brethren by phone concerning the situation present and the degree of benevolent need. They all report that the damage is extensive and widespread. To this point, I am still unable to contact brethren in Manila by phone.

The first storm called “Ondoy” (the international name was “Ketsana”) came across the lower part of the main northern island of Luzon. The Manila area was badly flooded and is still suffering greatly from the aftermath. While I was in Lakeland, Florida in a meeting, one family got through to speak to Atoy Franco on his cell phone. His home was badly flooded and electrical power was not available. Within the last hour or two, I have received several posts from brethren in the affected area confirming a great need throughout the Manila area for funds to help repair homes and replace many things lost to the floods. Brother Jojo Tacbad sent pictures of several brethren and their property that was badly damaged or destroyed. Brother Ben Cruz is very well respected in that area and knows the needs of brethren there better than anyone of whom I know. Though he is very busy tending to the pressing needs at this time, you may try to reach Ben by email (benlor_cruz@yahoo.com). He might also be reached through his daughter, Dr. Teresa Toreja, who often helps us in communicating with brethren in that area (teresatoreja@yahoo.com).

The second storm called “Parma” (or "Pepeng") hit the Philippines on Saturday, October 3, and continues to affect the island because it has stalled off of the northwest coast near Laoag City. The storm came ashore on the northeast side of Luzon and made a direct hit on Tuguegarao. Fortunately, the winds had decreased from the approximate 175mph reported on Friday to about 100mph when it hit. The Cagayan province bore the highest winds and sustained major damage from both winds and flooding rain. That area has numerous faithful brethren with whom I have worked very closely for several years. Every brother in the area that I have heard from so far tells me of devastation to both homes and fields. Though this area is less densely populated than Manila, the damage done in the Cagayan province will be very severe. Numerous faithful brethren like Rody Gumpad, Rolando Agpoon, Dennis Yuson, Gerald Ganela and other preachers from pervious preacher training programs live in this area.

Parma continues at this writing to bring damage to the northwestern side of Luzon in the Ilocos Norte region. Another super typhoon, Melor (also known as "Quedan"), is passing to the east of Luzon and has pulled Parma back towards the island where it is stalled off of Laoag City bringing continued high winds and flooding. I have also worked in this area where there are many brethren. I have tried to reach Vic Domingo, Mat Sibayan and other brethren in and around Laoag City, but have not gotten through yet. When I have news about the effects to brethren in that region, I will post it on this blog.

The need left in the wake of these storms is both real and vast. Please consider any assistance you might be able to give as an individual and pass information of the need to the church with whom you labor. I will be glad to provide any information possible for help you may wish to send to worthy brethren who are in need. If churches wish to help by sending from their treasury for this benevolent need, I will be glad to put you in touch with the elders in those churches where the need exist.

I will be going to the Philippines on October 26th, the Lord willing, and will continue to update via this blog regarding the need until I leave. Once in the Philippines, I will continue to post on the situation as regularly as possible. My schedule while in the Philippines calls on me to spend my first full day and a half in the Manila area. If it is necessary, I can use that time to check on the needs that exist and help in any way possible to assist in the relief. Please feel free to contact me at harryo@pldi.net if I can be of any help. Thank you for your concern shown towards our brothers and sisters in the Philippines.

Brotherly,
Harry Osborne

The Sidney Morning Herald – Australia
(http://www.smh.com.au/world/typhoon-parma-tears-into-philippines)

Parma, packing winds of 175 kilometres per hour and gusts of up to 210 kilometres per hour, made landfall in the northern province of Cagayan and surrounding areas about midday local time (1400 AEST).
"The wind is very, very angry," Cagayan regional police chief Roberto Damian said in a radio interview from his headquarters, about 400 kilometres from the Philippine capital.
"I can see trees are being toppled inside our camp.... One sturdy Narra tree was uprooted and smashed a car and a house. We cannot go out," he said in a radio interview before his line went dead.
Parma caused major damage in Tuguegarao, the capital of Cagayan with a population of 130,000, according to the city's mayor, Delfin Ting.
"There's massive destruction of rooftops, and trees have been toppled," Ting said, while residents reported massive rainfalls.
"The whole province is virtually under water," said Aimar Raras, a local resident.
Other parts of the Philippines' main island of Luzon were hit with heavy wind and rain, and by early Saturday evening it was still pummeling the country before being forecast to make its way towards Taiwan.

CBC News – Canada

(http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2009/10/05/parma-typhoon-storm-philippines-taiwan.html)
Typhoon Parma weakened to a tropical storm on Monday but continued to threaten the northern coast of the Philippines, where powerful landslides from heavy rainfall killed 16 people over the weekend.
The storm also churned up waters off the coast in the Taiwan Strait, sinking a Panamanian cargo ship off neighbouring Taiwan and leaving 10 crew members missing, according to the Taiwanese coast guard.
Philippine forecasters said Parma headed northwest into the South China Sea after blowing across the country's north, which was already reeling after an earlier storm killed almost 300 people.
Parma was lingering because another storm — Typhoon Melor — was pulling it back towards the coast, said chief Philippine government forecaster Nathaniel Cruz.
Melor is too far north to affect the Philippines and is expected to blow toward southern Japan. But its presence raises the possibility that Parma might return to the north shore of the Philippines and bring more rain.
Parma was located 220 kilometres off northern Laoag city, packing winds of 105 km/h and gusts of up to 135 km/h.
Manila, the country's capital, escaped the worst of the storm after bearing the brunt of Typhoon Ketsana, which killed at least 288 people in the Philippines and damaged the homes of three million.
Ketsana also left a trail of devastation throughout other countries in Southeast Asia, killing 162 in Vietnam, 18 in Cambodia and at least 16 in Laos.

Yahoo

(http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20091004/wl_asia_afp/philippinesfloodtyphoon)

MANILA (AFP) – Large parts of the northern Philippines were flooded and without power on Sunday after Typhoon Parma killed at least 15 people, as authorities warned of another storm looming to the east.
Exactly one week after storm Ketsana dumped the heaviest rains in more than 40 years that devastated Manila, killing nearly 300 people, Parma ripped through the north of the Philippines' main Luzon island on Saturday.
Many areas in the north remained blacked out and cut off from communication on Sunday as Parma left the country and hovered over the South China Sea. Roads were submerged or littered with fallen trees and toppled power lines.
Two separate landslides buried homes in the province of Benguet, killing 12 people on Saturday, provincial police director Chief Superintendent Loreto Espinili said. Related article: Joyful reunions and despair
The fatalities were on top of three casualties earlier reported by other authorities elsewhere.
The state weather bureau warned of more misery as Typhoon Melor, monitored about 600 kilometres (370 miles) to the east, was expected to enter Philippine maritime territory by Monday afternoon before blowing north to eastern China or Japan.
Melor was "interacting" with Parma, a phenomenon that could see it being sucked back to Luzon, said forecaster Nathaniel Cruz.
"(Parma) will have a looping action, which means that from almost outside the Philippine area of responsibility it will make a re-curvature and possibly pass the northern area of Luzon for the second time," he said.
Parma first slammed into the northern province of Cagayan on Saturday and caused major damage there, local authorities reported.
"The winds were very strong. There is no power here. There is extensive damage to houses, electrical posts were toppled," Delfin Ting, mayor of Tuguegarao, the capital city of Cagayan, told local radio.
Illustrating Parma's fury, Cruz said the weather station in Laoag was almost hit by a "flying guardhouse". Related article: Asian armies rush to aid victims
There had been no immediate reports of casualties in Cagayan after authorities evacuated nearly 170,000 people in Parma's path before it struck.
Bellaflor Angara, governor of Aurora province also in the north, said swathes of rice fields were under water, which could cause supply problems in the next few months.
"The rains heavily damaged our rice fields," she said over local radio. "We are trying to bring back everything to normal, but that will take time."
Parma was likely to remain almost stationary west of northern Laoag city, and could bring more heavy rain and lashing winds to the area in the next two to three days, forecaster Cruz said.
"It's likely that this will continue for the next several days, then flooding and landslides would be inevitable," Cruz said, adding that Melor would be the 18th tropical cyclone to hit the country this year.
The agriculture department estimated the damage to crops was at least 5.5 billion pesos (117 million dollars) so far, and said the figure was expected to rise.
While supply of rice is adequate for the year, President Gloria Arroyo ordered agriculture officials to import rice to augment stocks for 2010.
Meanwhile, many areas in Manila and nearby eastern provinces remained flooded more than a week after Ketsana dumped a month's worth of rain in nine hours.
Of the more than 3.3 million affected by the floods, nearly 400,000 remained in evacuation centres scattered across the city.
International aid has been trickling in, although authorities said many areas remain under-served amid warnings of disease outbreaks in overcrowded camps.

Guardian – UK
(http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/oct/03/phlippines-typhoon-parma-evacuations)

The provinces of Cagayan and Isabela were hardest hit today by powerful winds and drenching rain, which cut off some communications and roads.
"The damage is quite heavy," the Cagayan police chief, Roberto Damian, told ABC-CBN television. "We are clearing highways and roads to reach people calling for rescue."
In Isabela, one man drowned and another died from exposure to the cold and wet weather, said Lieutenant Colibek Loreto Magundayao, from an army division based in the province.
Tens of thousands of people were moved to safe ground across the Philippines ahead of the typhoon, though officials said the threat of another national disaster eased as Parma changed course last night and bypassed the capital, parts of which are still chest-deep in floodwaters.
Trees were uprooted and power poles toppled in the provincial capital of Tuguegarao, a Cagayan local government official, Bonifacio Cuarteros, said. Buildings had their roofs torn off and similar damage was reported in neighbouring Isabela.
Parma hit the coast with sustained winds of 108mph, though they weakened as the storm passed overland, the national weather bureau said.
The weather bureau's chief Prisco Nilo warned that the heavy rain could trigger landslides and flooding, and strong winds could create tidal surges "similar to a tsunami" along the eastern coast....
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo declared a nationwide disaster yesterday to allow local governments to access emergency funds and cap the prices of essential goods. She also ordered troops to evacuate more than 100,000 people from areas at risk from the typhoon, Reuters reported.
Officials said some 5.5billion pesos (£72m) in crops, mostly rice about to be harvested, were damaged by Ketsana last week. The damage to bridges and roads was estimated at 1.6billion pesos. [Note: The present exchange rate is about 46 Philippine pesos to one US dollar - H.O.]
Arroyo ordered a one-year deferment in repayment of loans provided by state pension funds, part of liquidity-boosting measures to protect the economy following the devastation.