Many local Christians involved in Operation Christmas Child were among those devastated by the killer typhoon that struck Southeast Asia in late September. The storm was responsible for hundreds of deaths and catastrophic damage to homes, crops, schools, and churches.

Mrs. Perry Cartera, one of our ministry partners in the Philippines, lives in one of the hardest-hit areas. “The floodwaters rose so fast that they were more than 10 feet deep in about an hour,” she said.”My 79-year-old mother and nephew climbed to the roof of our house. My husband stayed behind to try to save some of our most important possessions. The waters came too fast, however, and he had to hurry to the roof to avoid being trapped inside.”

The family jumped across rooftops to reach higher ground and spent the night at an evacuation center. When they returned to their house, everything was ruined.

“The water was gone, but in its place was thick, sticky mud that covered practically
everything,” she said.

Even though her family has lost everything, Perry is focusing on helping her neighbors during this time of great need.

“Some have suffered much more than us,” she said. “We pray that the Lord will graciously use us to minister to them.”

Return to the October 09 Newsletter