When the distinctive sirens of Manila’s fire trucks kept going past our home and didn’t keep going very far Monday night, I, Patty, decided to take a look. Out the back was nothing until I looked up – huge black billows were up there! I ran through the house to the front deck, knocking on Adam’s door on the way. When I stepped outside … it was huge!
The fire was about 2 blocks from our home. Flames were reaching up to more than 11 stories gauged by the nearby buildings. It was one huge, hot fire. Explosions shot flames up even higher. Fire trucks continued to roll in from all over Manila. A real ambulance arrived (most are converted vans). Adam grabbed his video camera and got some great feed. We prayed for the victims, whoever they may be.
Tuesday morning found Paul and me out the door before 6:30 to see what had burned. To our horror 201 families had lost their homes! Young and old were sitting around in shock and grief looking at the 3 lots that had been home for so many. They all lived in an area we are guessing to be about 16,000 square feet of land. A few were already beginning to clear the rubble even as it continued to smolder. Those inside the wall were handing off corrugated roofing to those below who stacked it.
Everyone there lost everything but life. All the people got out safely, but they were not able to take anything with them. They have nothing. Others have provided clothing, sleeping mats and pillows. They have no money, no home, and no toothbrush.
God is always good. As I asked how many families had lived there they took me to a man with a bullhorn who was announcing breakfast served on the nearby university basketball court (covered so they can play in the rain). Melvin came up with smiles and a warm handshake, glad to see me again Thursday as we returned with ACTION’s Street Impact Team members to assess the situation and see what we as an organization can do. He is a city councilor and in charge of the relief! He was most helpful and a plan began to formulate in the SITeam’s minds.
ACTION never does relief for the sake of relief. It is always coordinated through local churches who take responsibility to do follow-up and evangelism. Paul and I sent texts out to all the Manila pastors who have taken our course. Many responded, but Ptr (Pastor) Onie and Ptr Larry were aggressive. We praise God they will be taking this project on.
As of now, we will be packing 201 kits of plates, forks, spoons, a rice pot, a frying pan and a simple sack lunch on Tuesday. Wednesday morning we will meet in an arranged place to present the gospel and give out the packs. Christ Jesus Our Life will be the sponsoring church.
This has been an amazing time of seeing God’s coordination at work. Please pray many will come to Christ.
One last prayer request: Jeff and Luv found a todder with a colostomy among the families. He needs further medical care. Pray that we can see this family come to Jesus Christ as we seek ways to help little John Patrick.
