In less than two weeks, at least islands in the Philippines have suffered in the wake and aftershocks of recent earthquakes. That comes after typhoons, flooding, and landslides on a third island. 

With MV partners, staff and missionaries on the ground across the region, updates coming in continue to reflect the tragic calamity natural disasters bring along with the fervent prayer and service of our Filipino brothers and sisters in Christ. 

The most recent earthquakes struck on Oct. 10, shaking the Davao Region of Mindanao, with at least seven dead and 350 injured following a 7.6 and 6.7-magnitude, jumpstarting fears of tsunamis because of the quakes’ magnitudes. 

MV global headquarters administrative assistant Anne Tayag was with her family on Mindanao, rushing out of their home to avoid injury.  

“Praise God we are all safe. [There are] some cracks in the house and the electricity is on and off,” Anne shared. 

In the wake of earthquakes in the region, there is the threat of ongoing aftershocks, with most families staying outside of their houses, camping out for safety concerns. Cebu saw more than 2,000 aftershocks following the earthquake that struck the island on Sept. 30, killing 74 and injuring 1,062–making it the deadliest earthquake to hit the nation since 2013.  

Following the Cebu quake, MV partners and pastors Rolly & Nimfa Vasey headed out to support those in the aftermath. Within the first few days, they experienced a really heartbreaking visit to damaged areas. 

“We can see families along the road begging for food and water,” they relayed back to MotiVate/MV New Zealand director Andrew Marriott. “We can see families outside of their houses since the aftershock is still going on, but praise God because we saw truckloads of relief goods coming from different places ready for distribution.” 

Despite the calamity, the Vaseys continued to pray for the impacted and praise God because, “While we are experiencing monster rain around but there is no rain on the affected area.” 

While the government helped with immediate basic needs like food and water, repairing damaged homes is the biggest area of concern. Ps. Rolly said local ministerial leadership reporting 85 pastors’ homes needing some type of repair from the earthquake’s destruction. 

“We are hoping and praying that God will make a way for these needs,” shared Ps. Rolly and Nimfa. 

Prior to the Cebu earthquake, a typhoon hit Mindoro island. Ps Danny Macuha reported that the southern part of Mindoro was heavily damaged. “I visited our partners in this area and conducted prayer fellowship and sharing of experience. No life casualties but the rice fields, fruit bearing trees and many Mangyan [tribal] houses were heavily damaged.” 

More than 90 families are unable to access safe drinking water and have requested urgent assistance in the wake of storms, flooding, and landslides over the recent weeks. 

Over the past several months, Ps Danny and his team have been busy constructing two water tanks to supply clean water on the island of Mindoro, as well as new places of worship for remote tribal communities. 

While recent natural disasters have brought more urgency to the need for water to Mindoro tribes, it also reflects the ongoing and enduring relationship MV partners like Ps Danny and Rolly have with the communities they serve.  

Beyond the immediate needs of crisis-response, MV is committed to developing the church in disaster-prone regions, so they are self-sustaining, even through difficult times. 

Prior to the recent floods, Ps Danny shared, “Praise God for His provision to construct a water tank for clean water projects in two Mangyan communities in Abra de Ilog and Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro. Also, we built a chapel, because the old chapel was destroyed by a typhoon last year. Also, we started to construct chapel in new mission work in the Mangyan community.” 

Please join us in praying for our partners, staff, and pastors Danny, Rolly, Nimfa, Anne, and all those in the Philippines affected by recent disasters. Pray for stability, and for the spread of the gospel across the country. 

“Thank you so much for all the prayers about the people here in Cebu who are affected by the devastating earthquake,” shared Ps Rolly. “Praying also that we can involve and inspire them by sharing the love of God in the form of whatever we can give from our heart. 

This is just one example of what Missionary Ventures is doing around the world to impact nations for Christ. You can help us continue that work with your support of our Core Mission to empower more people in God’s kingdom.