After last Tuesday night’s prayer meeting, we learned of a severe earthquake (magnitude 6.9) that struck Cebu Island, Philippines. I contacted Pastor Reggor and was assured that brethren in Cebu City were kept safe, though information from other parts of the island was then unavailable.
Early the next morning, Pastor Reggor informed us that Bogo, in the north, where our two mission churches serve under Elder Eliezer Ortega, appears to be the worst-hit area. Many homes were damaged. With deep sorrow, we read the report that Bro. Julito, a long-time and faithful member, has fallen asleep in Jesus after being pulled from his collapsed house. Sis. Josephine, his wife, was preserved without serious physical injury; it pleased the Lord to take her husband to be with Him in glory.
Elder Eliezer, who had returned to Cebu after ministering in Bogo on Sunday, immediately set out again to care for the brethren in distress. Though road damage made travel difficult, we thank God that he reached Bogo and has provided regular updates, even as aftershocks continued.
Our elders moved quickly to coordinate with Pastor Reggor and Eld. Eliezer to assist those in need. We have sent funds to help Sis. Josephine, the family of the late Bro. Julito and the congregation in Bogo. Additional funds were sent to procure food and essentials in Cebu and transport them to Bogo. A group of brethren from Cebu has already driven supplies to Bogo and spent time in fellowship with the saints there, comforting them. “The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart” (Ps. 34:18).
Let us continue to pray for repentance, renewal, and salvation in that region. Remember also Sis. Josephine and family, the churches in Bogo and San Antonio, Eld. Eliezer and brethren who travel there with help and provision. Pray for God’s protection and wisdom amid ongoing tremors.
If the Spirit moves you to give, please designate love gifts to the “Disaster Relief Fund”. The BOE will consolidate the funds received as stewards of God—with and through our missionaries in Cebu—that none be overlooked, and that all things be done decently and in order (1 Cor. 14:40). “Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it” (Prov. 3:27).
Food and essentials for Bogo brethren
Loading of supplies into church van
Distribution in tents pitched at Gethsemane BPC, San Antonio
Bro. Julito's collapsed house, circled in red
Sis. Josephine beside the casket of her husband, Bro. Julito, who died after their house collapsed on him during the earthquake
Brethren visiting the bereaved family
