In the aftermath of the powerful earthquake in Mindanao, Philippines, the Church of the Nazarene in General Santos City and T’boli became places of comfort, care, and hope for families whose lives were suddenly shaken.
The earthquake affected more than 100 families connected to the General Santos City Church of the Nazarene daycare ministry. Many homes were damaged or destroyed, leaving families without electricity and struggling to meet basic needs.
For parents, the urgent concern was simple but heavy: how to provide food for their children while trying to recover from the disaster. As part of the church’s earthquake response, food packs were distributed to 100 affected families.
Children were also deeply affected by the disaster. Many experienced fear and anxiety because of the strong earthquake and continuing aftershocks. Some children also lost school supplies and personal belongings because the earthquake occurred during the start of the school year.
To help them recover, the church organized three days of child-friendly activities. More than 100 children received care, school supplies, and essential goods. They also joined debriefing and emotional support activities designed to help them feel safe again, express their feelings, and slowly regain a sense of normal life.
In T’boli, the earthquake also caused serious damage to the T’boli Church of the Nazarene – Lub and the home of Pastor Joel Sangid and his family. The church parsonage developed major cracks in the flooring, while a damaged pillar in the foundation raised safety concerns. The unfinished church building also suffered structural damage and was at risk of collapse.
The response team provided shelter care and helped rehabilitate the tribal community worship center, which benefited around 120 individuals from the community.
For the affected families, the support extended beyond relief goods and repairs. It was a reminder that they were not alone.
Amid fear, loss, and uncertainty, the church stood with the community—feeding families, caring for children, supporting pastors, and helping rebuild places of worship and hope.
The Asia-Pacific Region requests continued prayer for:
- Comfort and strength for the families who were affected by this calamity.
- The disaster response team as they continue to help and serve the affected communities.
- Opportunities for the local church to share the love of Jesus and be his hands and feet to the communities they are serving and ministering.