Three major earthquakes have struck the Philippines in recent weeks.

On September 30, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake hit Cebu, a province of the Philippines. It affected more than 500,000 individuals and displaced more than 26,000 families. At least 76 people died, 559 were injured, and 8,000 homes were destroyed in the earthquake.

On October 10, the southern island of Mindanao experienced a magnitude 7.4 quake in the morning, followed by another strong quake in the evening. This “doublet”—two earthquakes occurring in the same area in close succession—impacted close to 1.2 million individuals across many cities and municipalities. These quakes caused eight deaths and 196 injuries, and about 3,000 families sought temporary shelter.

Since the twin quakes, Nazarene leaders from the Mindanao East District have been assessing the needs in the impacted communities to plan a compassionate response. While two churches are located near the epicenter, all pastors in the affected areas reported they were safe and their churches were undamaged.

In the Cebu District, the Nazarene Disaster Response team from the Central Visayas District mobilized quickly, deploying to a town near the earthquake’s epicenter to carry out an initial response. They distributed water, food, and medicine to around 1,000 people in Medellin, Cebu. Later, Inayawan Church of the Nazarene hosted an event in Calambua, Cebu, helping children and teenagers process the trauma they endured. Through storytelling, play, and creative strategies, participants learned to process their emotions—turning fear into confidence and sadness into laughter.

Hon. Dondon Enanoria, a local official, said this was the first time their community had ever hosted such an activity for children.

“We are very thankful for bringing this kind of care to our kids,” he said. “They really needed this.”

How you can help

Pray

Pray for all those affected by the recent earthquakes in Cebu and Mindanao—for comfort for those who are grieving the loss of loved ones and to bring healing to the injured. Pray for families who have lost their homes and for those still living in temporary shelters, that they would find safety, stability, and hope. Remember children and young people who have experienced fear and trauma, that they would know peace and restoration. Pray for wisdom, strength, and protection for pastors, volunteers, and community leaders as they serve their neighbors with compassion and care. To send a prayer or note of encouragement, visit ncm.org/pray.

Give

Churches and individuals worldwide can provide support through the Philippines Disaster Response Fund. Donations will be used for both immediate needs, such as water and food, and long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.

To send donations by mail:

In the United States, make checks payable to “General Treasurer” and send them to:

Global Treasury Services

Church of the Nazarene

17001 Prairie Star Pkwy

Lenexa, KS 66220

Be sure to put 140130 in the memo area of your check.

In Canada, make checks payable to “Church of the Nazarene Canada” and send them to:

Church of the Nazarene Canada

3657 Ponytrail Drive, Mississauga, ON | L4X 1W5

Be sure to put 140130 in the memo area of your check.

For any other country, give through your local church or district, designating your gift to the Philippines Disaster Response Fund.