Opportunity to serve

Hi all, here is an update for the last two days.

The greatest damage seems to be in Loon, Sagbayan and Merilehoc (sp). Devastation of hollow block homes seems more prevalent but many bamboo homes have been destroyed or heavily damaged as well.

We have a group of 10 marvelous young people we have known and supported (MOM) over many years. From little ones to young adults they have shown a growing maturity evident in their barrio and at school. This experience is a major blessing to them, in the sense they get to give back. They have been given the liberty to determine needs, acquire materials and distribute them. You see them grow and mature spiritually each day. We simply need to provide the financial resources for them to impart the material support needed.

Opportunities to help the helpless have also been set before us. God has placed before us a wonderful lady of 71 years. She has no complaints. She has a positive attitude, all the while never having legs to walk. She only slides about the ground. She and her sister, who cares for her, are living in a shack they rent for $1.00 per month. We found Patricia sitting on the road in the dark one night. Lindie felt she might have fallen. She and Mark Jay got out to investigate only to find that she had no legs. For a lifetime she has wanted a wheelchair. God gave us the opportunity to give her one. She has been measured and a custom wheelchair is now being made just for her, plus a re-sized front door and ramp from here door to the edge of the cement road. We will share pictures soon. Remember to say a prayer for Patricia.

But that was not enough joy that God had in store for us that day. We learned of three siblings that are terribly impaired. Two can walk with the aid of two sticks, the other does not have adequate strength to walk and needs a wheelchair. I use the term loosely to say they walk. Every step is a struggle, but they are determined to walk not roll. The other two, Victor and his sister need walkers so they can continue to walk with far less struggle. A wheelchair has been ordered for Esenscio. A walker was provided to Victor today and he gave me the two sticks he has used to keep himself upright as he manage to walk a few yards at a time. We hope to get a walker for the sister soon. Today was a great day for Victor, Esencio, there sister and a great day for each of us.

I could go on forever in sharing our experience but let me close with a story that will move you greatly. We learned of a young man 20 years old who has no legs and a partial arm. He is committed to going to college and learn computers. He is commited to making his own way in life but the challenge is great. He has no wheelchair. As a result his loving mother carries him on her back from home to college and room to room. Wouldn’t you love to provide him a chair that he would use to make his future brighter and easier for his mother?

One more thing, Victor, Esencio and their sister, live in terrible circumstances. They do receive rice from the social welfare department, but nothing else. Our Filipino students said they have never seen such a poor house. Wouldn’t it be great to provide them a home of for safety and comfort.

We have seen so much need and are committed to share it with you accurately without over-statement or under-statement. You can have the assurance your gifts will be used responsibly and only for the direct needs of persons like these and those specifically impacted by the earthquake. We did not even scratch the surface of needs both earthquake related and that of the desperately poor and impaired.

More later on tarps, woven bamboo, metal roofing, transitional housing and permanent housing. How about coming on over with us and putting some houses together, help clean up the rubble, provide some love and help a hurting people to make a new start.

God Bless each one!

Lindie and Denny

CHECK THIS OUT
http://www.razoo.com/story/Help-Bohol-1?referral_code=share