Global News
HOPE worldwide Mobilizing Relief for Typhoon Survivors
The full impact is still unknown as communications have been down. The Mayor of Tacloban and the local police have told various media outlets that they estimate there may be up to 10,000 people dead. The Philippines government has confirmed 151 deaths, but it is estimated that up to 4.5 million people have been affected.
The Situation and Response
The HOPE worldwide team in Cebu and Bohol, where an earthquake struck three weeks ago, are safe. They were able to quickly respond to help these communities since they were still in the area. Food and emergency supplies have been distributed in northern Cebu. Although Cebu sustained damage, it was not one of the hardest hit areas.
Currently, the residents of Leyte Island are of primary concern. Tacloban City, which has a population of 200,000, was heavily impacted. CNN reports that no building in this coastal city escaped damage. Travel to the island is limited but the HOPE worldwide teams from Manila, Cebu and Bohol are finding ways to bring emergency supplies, medical doctors, and psychosocial support to those who desperately need help.
Time is of the essence as we strive to quickly get relief to the survivors. Food supplies and water are scarce, resulting in lootings within Tacloban. Some media sources reported gun fire in the area. Shelters are also limited because many of the city’s buildings are heavily damaged.
The road to recovery will be a very long journey. Now, we need to help them survive the next few weeks. Please join us to bring hope and help.
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Philippines Earthquake Update
Earthquake Disaster Update:HOPE worldwide Philippines, along with the Metro Bohol Christian Church and the Cebu Church, are assisting those impacted by the 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Bohol last month. Below is a summary of their activities.
Highlights:
- Disaster response team deployed within 36 hours after the 7.2 magnitude earthquake.
- Partnered with Metro Bohol Christian Church
- Distributed 1,452 gallons of purified drinking water to 300 families in Poblacion, Sagbayan and in Cagbansag and Alilihan, San Isidro.
- Conducted expressive therapy for 211 children in three communities.
- Disciples donated Php24,000.00 after the presentation of needs to Cebu Church.
- Twelve members from the Metro Bohol Christian Church oriented about psychosocial support.
- Local television coverage of Hww Philippines' psychosocial activities at Sagbayan Central Elementary School by TV5. According to TV5, HOPE worldwide was the first organization to make these activities available for the children.
- Ground assessment in the municipalities of Loon and Maribojoc completed third day after the quake
- Working with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council
- Assisting the Cebu Church Relief Operation for the municipality of Loon
- Participated in the Camp Leaders meeting in Sagbayan Central Elementary School
- Psychosocial activities needed for adults
- Need two (2) disciples as volunteer assistants, no applicants yet.
- Housing shortage for workers
- Availability of Evaluation and Assessment Tools needed to measure the effect of this disaster on local children
- Transportation expense may increase due to distance between areas being served
- Cost and logistics of delivering purified drinking water other relief supplies and continuing assessment to other affected areas
- Set up an office in a disciple's house
- Continue providing psychosocial activities with chilren in Sagbayan and other affected areas
- Continue supplying purified drinking water until the water system in the affected areas is restored
- Get quote for hygiene kit and purchase of additional supplies; and identify areas of distribution.
- HOPE worldwide Cebu, Tabang Sugbo and Cebu church are conducting a relief drive for in-kind donations to be delivered to Bohol
Creative Ideas for International Day of Giving on Nov 10th
The good news keeps coming in from churches around the U.S. about International Day of Giving (IDG)! It's great to hear about the many creative ways disciples are coming together to raise money to help those less fortunate around the world.- Michael Fix, evangelist of the Granite State Church (New Hampshire), shared this encouraging news: Through their local HOPE worldwide Chapter, the church has raised more than $15,000 volunteering at two NASCAR races this year- manning souvenir trailers and selling programs. The teen ministry is also doing their part by hosting a "Rock-A-Thon" where each teen rocked in rocking chairs for 12 hours (overnight!) and solicited sponsors for an hourly donation. The teens had a goal of $400 and raised more than $2,100!
- The Atlanta Metropolitan Christian Church (AMCC) is using technology to make giving even easier for their members. Ben Barnett, evangelist of AMCC, shared how the giving platform through their church website allows members to give any amount, any time - by computer, tablet, smartphones - in just a few clicks. The church is also going through a six-week series about the "Generous Revolution" which highlights how God works with what we have, rather than what we don't have (example: Jesus and the loaves and fish). In response, disciples have been generously giving anytime they receive an unexpected income - for example, if a member expected to pay for coffee, but a friend picked up the tab, the member will immediately take out their phones and give the amount that they would have paid for the coffee. Every day, small and large amounts are flowing in!
- The brothers and sisters in the Fox Valley Church (Appleton, Wisconsin) are not just "talking the talk" this International Day of Giving! Damon Brog, evangelist of the Fox Valley Church, shared that members are participating in a "Developing World Week" to prepare for IDG. In an effort to relate more clearly to the struggles that many face around the world on a daily basis, members are turning off their lights and heaters, rationing water to a gallon per person and eating "basic" meals like rice and beans for the week. The proceeds what they save will be donated on the International Day of Giving.
The collection instructions for IDG are available at hopeww.org/IDG - please make sure your count teams and administrators receive this information. In order to ensure that your members (and those they raise funds from) are eligible to receive a 2013 tax deduction benefit for their contribution, we must receive the contributions at HOPE worldwide by December 31, 2013. All checks made out to "HOPE worldwide" and donations received online via credit card will be receipted by HOPE worldwide. For this reason, we encourage your members to make checks to "HOPE worldwide" (rather than the church) if possible.
If you have any questions, or need any additional materials, please let me know.
Thank you!
Mandy Jordan
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Host Blood Brother Film In Your Church
Disciples Today and HOPE worldwide have partnered with the producers of Blood Brother, an award-winning documentary about Rocky Braat, a disciple from the Greater Pittsburgh Church of Christ, and his experience serving at the HOPE worldwide Arias Home for HIV-Positive Children in Chennai, India.
The movie is an incredible opportunity for our fellowship of churches to reach out to their communities. Disciples Today and the film’s distributor, Tugg.com have created a step-by-step tutorial on how to bring the movie to your local theater, church or ministry:
International Day of Giving Coming Soon!
The International Day of Giving is coming soon! Start giving now!
HOPE ww Volunteers join September 11th Service Efforts
The following is a press release from the Corporation for National and Community Service about September 11 rememberance and volunteer efforts. Several HOPE worldwide chapters are recognized below.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) today announced that hundreds of thousands of Americans are participating in service activities to commemorate the 9/11 anniversary on the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance, paying tribute to and honoring the victims and heroes of that day.
YOUR HOPE worldwide video
As disciples of Jesus we love to walk in the steps of Jesus as we preach, teach and heal. God is using tens of thousands of disciples to touch two million lives per year around the globe through HOPE worldwide.The International Day of Giving is crucial to the support of the core of HOPE worldwide. Disciples are once again engaging their friends and family to join in this giving opportunity on November 10th with a goal of $1.5 million to serve the poor.
A Message to HYC Families and Church Partners
HYC 2013 impacted those in need and softened the hearts and changed the lives of your children and youth. Zack Goodwin, HOPE worldwide's National Volunteer Director, shares about the HYC 2013 summer experience.