Hey everyone, we are still in the Philippines. Last week the super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) struck the islands. It was one of the strongest storms to ever hit land with wind gusts exceeding 200 mph and storm surges over 18 feet. It was more fierce than both Camille and Katrina, two of the most powerful and devastating hurricanes in U.S. history. The Eastern Visayas, which is part of the central region of the Philippines, was absolutely devastated by the storm. Perhaps you've seen the horrific and heart breaking images of Tacloban, one of the hardest hit cities? We are in Olongapo City, which is on the Northern Island of Luzon, approximately three hours North of Manila. We weren't in the direct path of the storm.

Although we are safe, many others were not as fortunate. Some reports say that over 10,000 people died in Leyte alone and another 330,000 people were displaced. GOD International, the ministry we've been participating with for the last 8 years, has been working in Leyte for awhile. Gregg Garner, the founder and CEO of our ministry, mom is from Leyte, and their family still live in the Tacloban area. Thankfully, they survived the typhoon; however, they lost everything they had and are struggling to get food and clean water. We have other friends there experiencing similar hardships.

I’m writing this blog entry because our friends and others in Tacloban, Leyte need immediate assistance. This situation is urgent, so we are currently collecting donations. If you are moved with compassion and able, please help us meet this need. Any amount helps. All donations go directly to the people. There are two ways to send monetary support: 1) through our PayPal link at the top of the page or 2) by mailing your money to GOD Int'l. The address is below.

GOD Int'l

401 Center Street

Old Hickory, TN 37138

If you mail a check to the above address, please put "Typhoon Relief" in the memo line.

Thanks,

Shaun and Candace Galford

Below are some web links about the storm

"Tacloban: City at the Center of the Storm" http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24891456