Last evening, the Washington Post reported that Haiyan, labeled a “super typhoon,” had made landfall in the central Philippines earlier in the evening (early morning in the Philippines). “With estimated maximum sustained winds of 195 mph, it is thought to be the strongest storm to ever make landfall anywhere in the world in modern records,” it said. (Click here to see the report.)
A number of Grace Brethren ministries are located in the Philippines, including Dan and Tori Beaver, who serve with First Love International on the Island of Boracay. Their work has been the recipient of a number of Operation Barnabas International Teams, in addition to ministry teams from local churches. Dan rode out the storm on Boracay, while Tori was in Manila.
Today, around 7 a.m. in the eastern time zone of North America, Dan Beaver posted this on his Facebook page:
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to The Lord, “My Refuge and My fortress My God in whom I trust.”
Thank you for praying. It’s 7pm here on Boracay and the main part of the Typhoon has passed over us. We are getting a lot of rain now, but the strong winds have dissipated with an occasional gust of strong wind. Since the storm died down after it was dark, we have not been able to check on a lot of people, or asses all property damage. First Love Ministries has seven buildings. We are happy that the Vista House, our volunteer housing was spared. We have heard that the roofs blew off of three of our buildings. Still we have not been able to assess all of the damage yet. All of our staff is safe. Red Cross has not reported on the casualties yet. We have received reports from Panay regarding other property damage in the Ati Village and some places on Boracay. We have heard of sad reports in nearby Kalibo where hundreds of families lost their homes, children are wet and hungry. Please pray with us for them. We will wait for day light to assess more. Thank you again for all who have prayed. GOD IS FAITHFUL. Ps. 91
Also last evening Rey Paz, Grace Brethren church planter in the Philippines sent this message:
Thank you for your concern. please pray for God’s protection and no damage will make. God bless you!
