Typhoon Vamco made landfall in the Philippines last week with sustained winds of 130 mph. Vamco comes just a week after Typhoon Goni, one of the most powerful storms this year, which left more than 270,000 homes damaged. 

It is the 21st storm to hit the country this year and the sixth cyclone in the last four weeks. The storms caused the worst flooding in more than four decades, including waters that were two stories high. At least 67 people were killed by Vamco, and tens of thousands of people have sought shelter in evacuation centers.

Like the rest of the population, Nazarenes have been impacted by these storms. Most notably, the first story of the Shechem Home, where the church serves child survivors of human trafficking, was completely flooded. While the children and staff were able to stay safe from the waters on the second story, they had to be evacuated and will live in an alternate safe location until the house receives extensive renovation to repair the flood damage.

Hundreds of thousands of people are without power, which is making communications difficult. An NCM Field team is traveling to afflicted areas to establish communications, coordinate with partners, and set up child-friendly spaces. NCM is also helping local Nazarene churches and pastors mobilize to respond in their communities. 

Food and clean water are greatly needed in evacuation centers, where thousands of people are staying indefinitely. NCM and local churches are also delivering food packs that include rice, canned meats, noodles, Vitamin C, and hygiene kits. So far, they have delivered food to more than 1,000 people. The teams are also focusing on sourcing face masks, toiletries, and soaps; since many relief packs are mostly non-perishable food, these items are also a great need.

Disaster response teams are able to quickly reach and care for children during these compounding crises because of the church’s long-term focus on holistic child development. Child safe spaces, which allow children to comfortably and safely learn and receive mental and physical support, are allowing NCM team members are reaching entire families. 

Many people in the Philippines live in poverty, which means they have no safety net to replace homes that are ruined or jobs that are lost. As the damage from the storms and subsequent flooding is assessed, the church will develop a long-term response to care for those in need with compassion. 

How You Can Help

Pray

Pray for those who have lost loved ones, and pray for those facing the loss of homes, livelihoods, food sources, and community. Pray for the months of recovery ahead when developing resilience will be key. Pray for those who are most vulnerable during and after the storm, especially senior adults, individuals with disabilities, and people living in poverty. Pray for church leaders and churches responding to the needs around them. To send a prayer or note of encouragement, go to ncm.org/pray.

Give

Churches and individuals around the world can provide support through the 2020 Storm Response. Donations will be used for immediate needs, such as water and food, as well as long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.

To send donations by mail:

In the U.S., make checks payable to "General Treasurer" and send them to: 

Global Treasury Services
Church of the Nazarene
P.O. Box 843116
Kansas City, MO 64184-3116

Be sure to put 135413 in the Memo area.

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 135413 in the Memo area.

For any other country, give through your local church or district, designating your gift to 2020 Storm Response.