Taal Volcano
One of the amazing things about the Christian life is that it’s something always shared with others — community is at it’s heart. We know this at a local level within our community at Christchurch, but it is also true on an international scale. The worldwide Church is also part of a community of people sharing Christian life; sharing in the unifying knowledge that we are loved by God and therefore love one another.
The Filipino community within our church has recently been personally affected by the Taal Volcano disaster which struck their hometown, the lives of their family and friends, and the life of their church in the Philippines. It has been a testimony to the faith and unity that we have in Jesus that individuals from Christchurch have donated money to be distributed by individuals connected to our Filipino friends. It is an example of a loud voice declaring
“by this shall everyone know that you are my disciples — if you love one another.”
Abegail Delgado recently reported that their home church has been badly affected and the building can no longer be used, evidenced in the photos below. In the short term they plan to rent a building before they can raise enough money to rebuild. Some of the money donated will be going to this church.
The other photos below show her cousin’s house which has been totally destroyed. They are attempting to do a clean up to try and salvage some furniture and belongings. They will also benefit from some of the money donated.
Whilst the eruptions may have settled down, life is clearly not returning to normal any time soon. Please pray for lives affected by the volcano. Pray for wisdom for Abegail and her family as they try and support those in the Philippines as best they can. Pray for us, that our hearts might be moved to love one another on a local and international scale.
For any further information please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Abegail. Thank you so much for your interest, prayers and generosity so far. May this give God glory.
Judith Gibson, Pastoral Assistant, Christchurch
