UPDATE AS OF 15 NOVEMBER 2013: 12 Nov. PBCI YOLANDA DISASTER RESPONSE TEAM headed by Dann Pantoja (DP) arrived in Cebu from Davao City in preparation for their trip in Ormoc City the following day. 13 Nov. The team arrived in Ormoc City via Ocean Jet ferry at 1500h and went straight to the City hall to connect with local government. They were introduced to the LGU Spokesperson, Mr. Bingo Capahi. He welcomed the team and allowed them to set camp at the City Tennis Court, right across the city hall. The team had a debriefing and had an early rest to prepare for the succeeding days. 14 Nov. The team had a very humbling communal meal with the immediate neighbors. They reflected on how they can be ethical and strategic in sharing their food. They met with the Ormoc City Evangelical Ministers Association (OCEMA). There were 10 pastors who were present in the meeting. These pastors who attended also suffered with great loss- churches can no longer be located, there weren’t enough food and water supplies, and other church members have died. PCEC’s Bishop Ephraim Tendero was also present during the meeting and had given encouraging words to boost the morale of the community . Here are things that were discussed during the meeting: :: OCEMA agreed to organize (Ormoc Evangelical Disaster Response Network(OEDRN). Their executive committee and some members will form the OEDRN team. :: They are now awaiting for PCEC’s disaster relief support to the OCEMA members (20-30 members) and their families. Two days from now, they will all meet again with PBCI to distribute the relief fund and plan for a disaster response training that PBCI will facilitate. :: The primary need they expressed are (according to importance): Food, Water,Shelter, generator, Solar flashlights, water purifier, boots :: They are also expecting the response volunteer team coming from Valencia, Bukidnon. DP shared encouraging words that uplifted the spirit of the pastors, who were resolved to help their own family, their church members, and then the church communities. The meeting ended with a community prayer for comfort, strength, and protection for PBCI team and for the evangelical churches in Ormoc and around the country. 15 Nov. Two of our Disaster Response Team- Bennette Grace Tenecio and Fread de Mesa went to Cebu via Barge. She sent updates and reports because there is no internet connection in Ormoc City. They went back to Ormoc that afternoon to bring supplies for the team. At this moment, Joji Pantoja and Arafat Balono PBCI’s transporter, are planning on how to bring a transport vehicle and supplies to the area where the PBCI Disaster Relief Team is at. Between the 18th-20th of November, the Disaster Response team will meet with Mennonite Central Committee Southeast Asia Area Directors- Dan and Jeanne Jantzi in Cebu. The team will plan to proceed to Tacloban after the meeting. Peacebuilders Community Inc. is committed to be God’s servant in bringing aid to our brothers and sisters who are in need. Please pray with us as our organization right now needs additional funding for mobilization, administrative and logistical support in delivering our service to the local level. We need organized volunteers to distribute those relief goods justly and fairly and to train and assist more of disaster relief response. May the peace of God embrace us all!
Posted on: Fri, 15 Nov 2013 14:32:44 +0000
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