By Rev. Jovie Galaraga
It was not a time for theological debates on why a loving Creator-God would allow a super-killer typhoon that brought indescribable misery to millions, death to thousands, and loss of multibillions worth of property. It was not a time for cruel and senseless blame-game – many pointing furious fingers at supposed blatant inefficiencies of our national government which in turn pointed the blame at local governments whose officials were also hapless victims of the devastation. It was not a time for just watching heart-rending footages of the horrible destruction and muttering, “Kawawa naman ang mga taga-Tacloban!” or “Grabe ang nangyari sa Samar!”
But for the Christian evangelical churches and organizations in Tel Aviv, it was an urgent time not just to pray together for the Yolanda victims-survivors, which is the most important thing to do, but also to demonstrate God’s compassion to our suffering “kababayans” by giving material help.
In fact, many pastors said that even before Yolanda struck Central Visayas, their members have already been interceding through various means: week-night prayer groups, early Saturday morning prayer vigils, prayer fellowship through social networks such as Skype, Facebook, Viber, IM and other ways.
But the incense of prayers were lifted with much passion when churches gathered for their Friday, Saturday and Sunday services (Nov. 15, 16, 17) amid the reported delays of aid delivery, mounting anger and looting in some affected areas and rising death counts.
On the morning of Nov. 17, about 25 pastors and leaders of churches that are part of In His Care Leadership Network (IHCLN), the association of Filipino churches mostly from Tel Aviv held a special corporate intercession at the Lamb of God Global Mission (LGGM) in Levanda street, pastored by Rev. Estee Pascual.
Led by IHCLN President, Rev. Ruby Austria Role, the leaders cried for God’s continuous outpouring of mercy for the provinces affected by Yolanda. They also stood “in the gap” for the whole Philippines especially for leaders of national and local governments. A significant prayer point was for a powerful spiritual visitation to sweep our people not only in the Yolanda-struck provinces but all over the country – that the tragedy will draw them closer to God.
Churches also responded by sending money and goods of many kinds donated by members. Filipinos in Israel were deeply touched by the gracious gesture of help by some remittance agencies and cargo shipping companies in Tel Aviv who have offered free remittance and shipping for Yolanda victims until the end of November.
On Nov. 16, the Emmanuel Christian Fellowship (ECF) led by Rev. Bhing Bernabe, with the support of the Philippine Embassy in Israel, set up an open booth for fundraising and drop-off center of goods at the 4th Level, Tachana Merkazit in Tel Aviv. According to the Project Coordinator, Sis. Maritess de Jesus, many Filipinos and Israelis as well as other nationalities responded generously.
ECF (Emmanuel Christian Fellowship) Members Prepare Relief Boxes for Yolanda Victims
Some pastors said that prayers and sending of much-needed help for the rehabilitation of towns and cities in Central Visayas will continue until the end of the year. One pastor shared that her congregation will not hold their usual Christmas celebration and donate the expected budget to the Yolanda cause.