Dear family, brethren, and friends,

The Philippines gets 15-20 typhoons each year spread out over several months, which helps the rice fields which require much water, but this year several have hit in quick succession with monsoon rains in addition.  Therefore, the Philippines has suffered much flooding and other calamities which destroy crops, houses, and lives.  Much of the damage has been done on Luzon because of the track the most typhoons follow.  Many of our brethren have been struggling for food.  Recently, I learned that northern Mindanao is also suffering.  Successive torrential rains have destroyed crops and created landslides in southern Mindanao.

A super-typhoon with the international name Mangkhut, locally named “Typhoon Ompong,” hit the Philippines on Saturday, September 15, and much help will be needed especially on Luzon again.  Here are excerpts from a CNN report dated the day the typhoon hit:

Philippines lashed by Typhoon Mangkhut, strongest storm this year
By James Griffiths, Steve George and Jo Shelley, CNN
Updated 4:29 AM ET, Sat September 15, 2018

Typhoon Mangkhut lashes the Philippines

Santiago, Isabela province, the Philippines (CNN)Super Typhoon Mangkhut slammed into the Philippines in the early hours of Saturday, bringing ferocious gale-force winds and pounding rains, as aid agencies warned millions are at risk from rising flood waters and landslides.

Mangkhut was the strongest storm anywhere on the planet in 2018, carrying gusts of up to 325 kilometers per hour (200 mph) before it made landfall in Cagayan province, on the northern tip of Luzon, about 1:40 a.m. local time.

When it crossed land, Mangkhut was packing winds of up to 270 kph (165 mph), 120 kph (75 mph) stronger than Hurricane Florence that hit North Carolina on the same day.

(https://www.cnn.com/2018/09/14/asia/super-typhoon-mangkhut-ompong-wxc-intl/index.html)

These combined natural disasters have left in their wake thousands of saints with damaged or destroyed houses and the trial of hunger.  Several brethren around the United States have received reports of the damage and are asking what can be done to help.  A few brethren have already donated funds and about $12,000 in emergency aid has been sent.  This amount pales in contrast to the needs.

I am willing to relay funds on behalf of anyone who would like to donate aid to the saints.  I will do my best to scatter it to the various areas which have been affected – especially for the sake of brethren who suffered the wrath of this typhoon which was stronger than Hurricane Florence.

Checks can be written to and sent to Ron Halbrook, 3505 Horse Run Ct., Shepherdsville, KY 40165-6954.  Individuals needing a tax deduction can make checks to Help A Neighbor and send them to the same address.  (Some brethren use Paypal with the address halbrook@twc.com to send funds.)

Above all, let us not forget these suffering saints in our daily prayers.

In Christian love,
Ron Halbrook

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