Last weekend, tropical typhoon Ketsana slammed the Philippines and dumped nearly 17″ of rain in six hours across the metropolis of Manila.  The areas hit hardest by the massive flooding seemed to be concentrated in close to our home community. Our local church, Taytay First, suffered greatly with 80% if their members being affected, while APNTS (Asia Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary) served as a refugee center for almost 300 neighbors living along the creek bordering the property.  One home belonging to a Nazarene missionary family was completed flooded with over 5′ of water, and their losses were severe.  We do praise God for sparing our home and family from the rising flood waters that swept over so many of our close friends and neighbors.

Filipino's scrambled to their rooftops for safety as the flood waters rise.

"Filipino's scramble to their rooftops for safety"

Relief efforts are under way and our district leadership has worked tirelessly with the many volunteers to reach those affected in our Nazarene churches across this massive city.  District Superintendent, Pastor Bonifacio “Oni” Plantilla, stated that “27 churches were serving as relief centers and ministering to over 300 families”.  Crisis Care Kits have been distributed to these families along with basic food and clothing.  Pastor Oni and his team have developed a “Three Phase” approach to meeting the needs of those suffering and affected families being helped by the Church of the Nazarene.  Phase 1 consists of offering cooked food and medicine as an immediate “first response”.  Phase 2 provides basic food and clothing needs to allow those affected to begin getting back on their feet.  Phase 3 wishes to meet longer term needs of providing basic shelter / construction supplies to help rebuild homes.  Please pray with us as we continue working through Phase 2 and as we finalize strategy for implementing Phase 3 to our Nazarene families.

Flood victims receive food and comfort

"Flood victims receive food and comfort"

Many of you have asked “how can we help” and have a desire to assist in the massive relief effort to help rebuild lives and homes swept away by the flood waters of Ketsana.  We want to give you a couple of options to consider when choosing how your heart wishes to partner in a compassionate way to help the Filipino people.

  • Nazarene Compassionate Ministries:  If you wish to go to this website you will find continuous updates about this crisis and online giving options. The funds received through NCM will be sent to our Philippine Field Office and used to meet the various needs of those affected by this disaster.
  • Work of Greg & Terri Taylor: If you wish your donation to be specifically used to meet individual needs or certain aspects of the relief work efforts, you can use this online donation format for giving.  We would also ask that you communicate with us at gtaylor@apnaz.org or terri@apnaz.org to discuss your specific desire in partnering to meet these needs.  Or, you can send your donation by mail to:  General Treasury Services, Church of the Nazarene, PO Box 843116, Kansas City, MO 64184-3116
  • We know that many of you would love to donate food or clothing or medicine, because of your generous and compassionate hearts.  However, we suggest that these types of donations would be best if purchased locally to ensure no delays in shipping or customs fees.  (i.e.  $20 = 40 pairs of flip-flops | $50 = 110 lbs. rice)
  • If you have a desire to Volunteer to help with the many needs that exist in the Philippines, please contact us by using our email gtaylor@apnaz.org or by mobile +63.918.801.5423 to learn more about available opportunities.