Even churches are not spared as Typhoon Rolly ravages the island province of Catanduanes.
Almost all church buildings are either totally destroyed or significantly damaged by the strong wind and torrential rains brought by super typhoon Rolly, November last year.
“We are still in the process of recovering. And I praise God for Operation Blessing’s gift of building materials. We can now start fixing not just the walls, but also the roofs of our church,” says Pastor Edgar Colinares, 66, founding pastor of Jesus in Every Home Church in Brgy. Francia, town of Virac, Catanduanes.
Pastor Edgar shares that the recent typhoon was able to destroy their physical church, but not the faith of its members.
“We keep on trusting God. In our prayer gatherings, we always mention to God to send help so we could rebuild our church and start worshiping again as one family,” Pastor Edgar, as he looks back. “When I heard that our church is one of Operation Blessing’s beneficiaries, I know right there that our prayers have already been answered!” he joyfully adds.
Pastor Edgar and his members are now starting to rebuild the broken walls of their church, which is good timing since worship services are not yet allowed to be held physically. He believes that when the church’s walls are fixed, the whole city would come again to worship.
Meanwhile, in Brgy. Botohonan, Viga, Catanduanes, another church in the coastal area has been washed out and was swept into the sea.
Pastor Fe Tud, 70, thirty years in the pastoral ministry, shares the pain of losing an outreach church because of the typhoon.
For some of her members, losing the church is more painful than losing their own houses.
“But we trust God’s sovereignty and plans. I know that He will never leave us nor forsake us,” she says, full of trust.
Her faith and prayers have been rewarded upon hearing that Operation Blessing is on its way to deliver the building materials.
“I thought, it was just some sacks of cement and plywood. I didn’t expect that all our needs will be delivered right at our doorstep today! Praise the Lord!” she exclaims, her face glazed with awe. “We will always include Operation Blessing in our prayers. May God provide your needs as you continue to do the will of God!” she prayerfully adds.
Like Nehemiah, may we always put our hands to the good work and be a channel of blessing to rebuild broken cities and broken walls. Be a partner of Operation Blessing today!