ABM staff member, Lina Magallanes has just returned from the Philippines where she met with staff of ABM's partners, the Episcopal Church of the Philippines (ECP) and Independent Philippines Iglesia (IFI) who are contributing to the relief effort.
Lina said the relief effort is large and multi-faceted, with locals clearly devastated yet those who can are still helping to volunteer and support those people who have lost their loved ones, their properties and their sources of income.
"The mobilisation of volunteers to pack emergency relief goods is a massive undertaking in itself. The ECP, as part of its own emergency relief activities, is putting together relief packs in the national cathedral compound where there is sufficient space for the packing activities and goods are being loaded into trucks," she said.
During Lina's visit two trucks of 1,000 relief packs, consisting mainly of 15kg rice and other basic food items were loaded and sent to affected areas.
"I took some photos of the packing in the ECP cathedral compound, with sweaty but smiling faces. I think these are photos of hope – people wanting to help in any way they can, long into the night, so that those who are suffering can have some measure of comfort and know they are not forgotten in their suffering and misery."
ABM is aiming to raise $100,000 to send to its partners in the Philippines and support people affected by the typhoon through this relief effort.
Bishop Edward Malecdan, Prime Bishop of the Episcopal Church in the Philippines said, "To our partners, we acknowledge and express our gratitude for your thoughts, prayers and support. We appeal for your continuing solidarity as we all join hands in rising up from the unimaginable devastation of our land".
To donate to the ABM Emergency Appeal please visit www.abmission.org/philippines-emergency