As some of you are likely to be aware, another typhoon hit Manila overnight. We were fortunate to be able to leave before it arrived, but it was very cloudy when we left and we were worried for our friends.
We have just got off a skype call to Sikap where HOM has it's main church and office. A lot of Manila had lost power including Sikap and Sally's home, but the power came back on when we were online so we were able to talk.
The main church area had flooded once again and the team had just finished cleaning it up. We spoke about a couple of options to try and help with the flooding of the church area when we were out there so hopefully we will be able to do something soon.
We are aware that some homes in Florante have had their roofs damaged, as the typhoon this time came with strong winds (Ondoy just dumped a load of rain on Manila, but had relatively light winds). Sally and Joey will tour the communities tomorrow after the main service and see what other damage has been caused.
Saturday 31 October 2009
Return of UK team
Just to update you we have safely arrived back in the UK. Thank you all for your prayer support.
We will be putting more updates here about our last two days as we were quite busy and didn't get much blogging time.
We will be putting more updates here about our last two days as we were quite busy and didn't get much blogging time.
Friday 30 October 2009
Blog from Hong Kong
The wonders of free Wi-Fi at Hong Kong airport allows a brief blog on our way home. We still have not told about our emotional farewells with the communities yesterday, but that will have to wait until we get home.
But a five hour gap between flights at Hong Kong gave us the chance to speed on the airport express to the centre of the city and its famous harbour. It was a bit of a lightning tour (and in view of an apparent flight delay, we perhaps could have stayed a little longer!) but we took in the brief sights and lights. And very spectacular they are too!
Perhaps the sudden jump from 'third world' Manila to 'first world' Hong Kong is too stark however. It made us think about the systems that cause some to be rich and many more to be poor, and to wonder about some of the large issues of our day. We also somehow missed the chaos, noise, dirt and vibrancy of life in Manila. And especially we missed the friendly wonderful people we have been with this last week, who are so materially poor, but have made us feel so rich to know.
But a five hour gap between flights at Hong Kong gave us the chance to speed on the airport express to the centre of the city and its famous harbour. It was a bit of a lightning tour (and in view of an apparent flight delay, we perhaps could have stayed a little longer!) but we took in the brief sights and lights. And very spectacular they are too!
Perhaps the sudden jump from 'third world' Manila to 'first world' Hong Kong is too stark however. It made us think about the systems that cause some to be rich and many more to be poor, and to wonder about some of the large issues of our day. We also somehow missed the chaos, noise, dirt and vibrancy of life in Manila. And especially we missed the friendly wonderful people we have been with this last week, who are so materially poor, but have made us feel so rich to know.
Last Post from Manila
We have much more to say but it will have to wait to the UK now as we are packing frantically. We had our last night for a while in the humid heat of Manila with its constant fumes and beeping of traffic horns. What a place! And we are so sorry to be leaving the beautiful people of Manila.
We shall return!
We shall return!
New Typhoon
Please pray that a new typhoon that is threatening Manila on Saturday will change course and diminish in power. It is worrying that the people we have been with are under threat by more devastation, especially when 'normal' life is so vulnerable.
The new typhoon is internationally called Mirinae, but the Philippines always give typhoons a local name which is Santi. (See news story here)
The new typhoon is internationally called Mirinae, but the Philippines always give typhoons a local name which is Santi. (See news story here)
Thursday 29 October 2009
A Glimpse of Something Better?
On one of our visits to one of the squatter communities I noticed a very small amount of some much better looking housing (probably about 20 dwellings amongst thousands of ramshackle shelters). I was informed that these had been built in co-operation with the government and a non-government agency. They cost about 500 pesos a month to rent (about £7) - but that is still far too much for the many squatters who try to make a living by scavenging and fail to find enough to eat. But a sign of hope?...
Feeding the Children
Because so many children in the poor squatter communities are under-nourished, Hands of Mercy seeks to provide regular feeding sessions where they can receive some of the nutrients they need to grow healthily. The children and the parents gather with spoons at the ready! We helped distribute the much appreciated food.
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In Prison
Yesterday we went to visit a young person from the community who is in prison awaiting trial. I have never been to prison before, so I do not know what they are normally like. I found the experience daunting.
We were led, with his mother, to the entrance where we were searched and had to show our passports. From there we were taken into a large cell with long benches and tables where prisoners were sitting opposite their visitors. Prisoners seemed to be allowed to roam around in the cell with us, and we heard later that an earlier visit by members of Hands of Mercy had been quite scary when the visitors were surrounded and questioned as to why they were there.
The person we had come to visit was led into the cell. He looked very young, having just turned 18 he had just been transferred to this adult jail, but he looked a lot younger. He also looked quite scared - and we soon saw why: his mother slipped him his protection money to stop him being beaten up. It was distressing to imagine all that he, and other prisoners, go through.
We talked to our prisoner and tried to encourage him, and his mother. We later gave her some money for his food and his needs. We hoped that we had given some support by our presence and we shall try and support the family.
On the way out we visited the juvenile cell and the women's cell. Here Hands of Mercy are able to lead small groups to encourage the prisoners, and to bring food for them. The cells here were like you see on US films, with the front of the cell made up of thick iron bars, and the whole of the cell visible to outsiders. In the juvenile cell there were three teenagers aged about 14 awaiting trial. One had been there for about six months. We were able to talk to the prisoners for a short while and try to encourage them.
As we stepped outside into the Manila hot sunshine, it was upsetting to think of the prisoners behind us who wouldn't be seeing the sun for a long, long time.
We were led, with his mother, to the entrance where we were searched and had to show our passports. From there we were taken into a large cell with long benches and tables where prisoners were sitting opposite their visitors. Prisoners seemed to be allowed to roam around in the cell with us, and we heard later that an earlier visit by members of Hands of Mercy had been quite scary when the visitors were surrounded and questioned as to why they were there.
The person we had come to visit was led into the cell. He looked very young, having just turned 18 he had just been transferred to this adult jail, but he looked a lot younger. He also looked quite scared - and we soon saw why: his mother slipped him his protection money to stop him being beaten up. It was distressing to imagine all that he, and other prisoners, go through.
We talked to our prisoner and tried to encourage him, and his mother. We later gave her some money for his food and his needs. We hoped that we had given some support by our presence and we shall try and support the family.
On the way out we visited the juvenile cell and the women's cell. Here Hands of Mercy are able to lead small groups to encourage the prisoners, and to bring food for them. The cells here were like you see on US films, with the front of the cell made up of thick iron bars, and the whole of the cell visible to outsiders. In the juvenile cell there were three teenagers aged about 14 awaiting trial. One had been there for about six months. We were able to talk to the prisoners for a short while and try to encourage them.
As we stepped outside into the Manila hot sunshine, it was upsetting to think of the prisoners behind us who wouldn't be seeing the sun for a long, long time.
Wednesday 28 October 2009
Block 37 flooding victim
After the feeding in Block 37 we went to visit another family who had been affected by flooding. Their home was by the stream that runs through Block 37:
This is inside the house, the flood water would have been up above my head in this picture (I was sitting down):
The flood subsided enough for the family to come home the next day, but they told us that everytime it rains the stream floods their home to some extent.
This is inside the house, the flood water would have been up above my head in this picture (I was sitting down):
The flood subsided enough for the family to come home the next day, but they told us that everytime it rains the stream floods their home to some extent.
Sharing at Block 37
Carol led the small group after the feeding in Block 37 sharing from the gospel of Mark:
Feeding in Block 37
Until we found Nueve de Febrero that I wrote about yesterday Block 37 was probably the poorest community that Hands of Mercy serve. David and myself were there helping with the Home Improvement Plan earlier and today Carol, Sarah and myself went back to see the feeding:
Sarah helped once again helped to give out the food:
Sarah helped once again helped to give out the food:
Tuesday 27 October 2009
Tomorrow is challenging...
The UK team seem a little tired today - trying to take on board all we are seeing and experiencing. So it is off to bed for an early night.
Tomorrow we are off to a feeding centre. One of the constant battles in the communities is to get enough food to eat, and of sufficient nutrient quality. The feeding centres are run by Hands of Mercy for children of the 'poorest of the poor' who are often very under-developed due to the lack of food. Hands of Mercy are able to supplement their diet and help them to be more healthy.
Food is also a real concern for the Filipino volunteer workers of Hands of Mercy who, like the rest of the residents of the squatter communities are desperate for food for their families.
Tomorrow we are also off to visit the local prison where we expect that people will be living in poor conditions. We feel a bit daunted!
And talking of tomorrow, we are thinking about dreams for a better tomorrow for all these poor people. What could tomorrow hold for them, in a better world? What can we do to make that happen?
Tomorrow is challenging....
Tomorrow we are off to a feeding centre. One of the constant battles in the communities is to get enough food to eat, and of sufficient nutrient quality. The feeding centres are run by Hands of Mercy for children of the 'poorest of the poor' who are often very under-developed due to the lack of food. Hands of Mercy are able to supplement their diet and help them to be more healthy.
Food is also a real concern for the Filipino volunteer workers of Hands of Mercy who, like the rest of the residents of the squatter communities are desperate for food for their families.
Tomorrow we are also off to visit the local prison where we expect that people will be living in poor conditions. We feel a bit daunted!
And talking of tomorrow, we are thinking about dreams for a better tomorrow for all these poor people. What could tomorrow hold for them, in a better world? What can we do to make that happen?
Tomorrow is challenging....
Nueve de Febrero
Sally was keen to show us a new community called Neuve de Febrero that the team here have become aware of after the flood. This community of 28 families lives right beside a creek, which sounds quite nice, until you realise that the creek smells badly of raw sewage and the homes are less than half a metre from a 2 metre drop in to the foul smelling water. Lots of rubbish and dead rats floated past and Sarah A had a close encounter with a live rat. Here is what the creek looks like:
Once we arrrived at a place to talk with some of the residents, Carol and then Sarah A and Grace sat on a log over-hanging the creek. Very brave!
When the flood came the water was about 3m above the current level, if you look at this picture the water came up to where the plastic is showing:
To get in and out of the community you have to do a tightrope walk across a walkway less than half metre wide with a significant fall to one side, here are some of the team negotiating it when we left:
Once we arrrived at a place to talk with some of the residents, Carol and then Sarah A and Grace sat on a log over-hanging the creek. Very brave!
When the flood came the water was about 3m above the current level, if you look at this picture the water came up to where the plastic is showing:
To get in and out of the community you have to do a tightrope walk across a walkway less than half metre wide with a significant fall to one side, here are some of the team negotiating it when we left:
Disabled Therapy
Whilst Dave and I were helping with Home Improvement, the rest of the team, Grace, Sarah, Jane, Carol and Sarah went off to see the work of the disabled therapy programme. This takes several forms, first they went to a purpose built centre for such work and met the team that Hands of Mercy teams with to provide therapy for those in the communities that can travel to the centre. Here is the team:
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Here is Dhea and then Sarah helping one of the children to write:
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After the visit to the centre, the team travelled to homes in the community to help those who can't travel to the centre. They had to go through very narrow passages to get to the homes:
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Once there they watched a Ben Mark, 17, being helped, the his limbs and digits suffered from contractures, where his arms, legs, fingers and toes would look deformed, but with therapy can be straightened out.
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The team do a fantastic job helping these people.
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Here is Dhea and then Sarah helping one of the children to write:
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After the visit to the centre, the team travelled to homes in the community to help those who can't travel to the centre. They had to go through very narrow passages to get to the homes:
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Once there they watched a Ben Mark, 17, being helped, the his limbs and digits suffered from contractures, where his arms, legs, fingers and toes would look deformed, but with therapy can be straightened out.
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The team do a fantastic job helping these people.
Monday 26 October 2009
Home Improvement Programme
On Monday Ian and myself accompanied Joey and a small team of men (Vincente and Andrew) as we set out to work on one of the shelters that had been flooded in the typhoon and was in urgent need of improvement.
Parts of the communities that Hands of Mercy serve are next to creeks and running water. They were very badly flooded and the residents had to flee for their lives in the dark, sheltering with friends whose shelters were higher, or being evacuated. Many lost most of their possessions.
The shelter that we fixed is occupied by Michael and his three young children. Michael lost is wife recently and it must be a massive struggle to cope in these circumstances.
The team needed to replace some parts of the roof and taking out and replacing a small extension of the side used for washing.
The picture above is of the stream that flows under Michael's house. I am sure you can imagine what it must have been like during the flood.
Here is the house before work started:
When Filipino's work on their houses they tend to take parts off and add new parts and then re-use the old materials in other parts of their home, so the collapsed structure in the front was to be removed, two panels of corrugated iron replaced on the roof, then one of those used to make another part of the shelter on the right in this picture. The other part of the roof would probably end up as part of the walls. The shelter as you can see is about 2m square and is actually on two floors!
Here are Michael and Vincente working on the roof (we went into another home next door to take this picture). The British contingent weren't allowed on the roof as the Filipinos thought the structure wouldn't hold our weight.
We were allowed to help with the construction on the side under the watchful eye of our Filipino friends
Here are the improvements, they may not seem like much to Western eyes, but Michael was very grateful to have a new non-leaking roof and a place to wash his dishes in the side compartment:
The team needed to replace some parts of the roof and taking out and replacing a small extension of the side used for washing.
The picture above is of the stream that flows under Michael's house. I am sure you can imagine what it must have been like during the flood.
Here is the house before work started:
When Filipino's work on their houses they tend to take parts off and add new parts and then re-use the old materials in other parts of their home, so the collapsed structure in the front was to be removed, two panels of corrugated iron replaced on the roof, then one of those used to make another part of the shelter on the right in this picture. The other part of the roof would probably end up as part of the walls. The shelter as you can see is about 2m square and is actually on two floors!
Here are Michael and Vincente working on the roof (we went into another home next door to take this picture). The British contingent weren't allowed on the roof as the Filipinos thought the structure wouldn't hold our weight.
We were allowed to help with the construction on the side under the watchful eye of our Filipino friends
Here are the improvements, they may not seem like much to Western eyes, but Michael was very grateful to have a new non-leaking roof and a place to wash his dishes in the side compartment:
Church as it is meant to be?
Yesterday we went to church at the Manila 'Mercy Church' which is behind the 'Hands of Mercy' charity.
Wow! What a church! Lovely, lovely people who are a wonderful community made up mainly of residents from the squatter communities that Hands of Mercy seeks to support. These are people who have very hard lives indeed, and yet are full of life as they seek to support one another.
We were made very welcome and quickly joined in the vibrant worship, led by a lively band. This band supported Carol, Sarah M, Sarah A and Grace as they led some English worship songs, and this was then followed by some Filipino songs. Very uplifting.
I then preached, with translation by Sally - an interesting experience to have to keep stopping for the Tagalog translation. I think it went well. The community was certainly very responsive and encouraging. I was told to preach for an hour - nobody in England has ever asked me to do that before!
Church continued with communal lunch, chatting and lots of laughs (and a few tears and prayers for people in need).
We then had a youth service (which was also attended by many older people). The youth were very engaged in all they did and Ian led an excellent session comparing the UK with the Philippines and stressing that we are all one! We may have various differences, but we have a common unity.
Church finished for Ian and myself leading a men's group with men from the community who have many needs and yet care obviously very strong, committed dignified people.
Church as it is meant to be? Yes, I think this was as near as I have seen it yet. God centred and yet reaching out in love to their very needy communities.
A privilege to be part of. (And as they would shout out - 'Amen!'
Sunday 25 October 2009
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Preparation for Sunday service
The girls are now practicing "In Christ Alone", this is a new song for the worship group here so we are making the musicians work hard to learn the song, as usual our Filipino friends are able to pick up the music very quickly.
Please pray for us all as we have a busy day today with a 2 hour service this morning where David is giving the message, then we have youth group this afternoon for another 2 hours where Carol and I will be leading. This evening David and I will be attending and sharing in the mens group.
Please pray for us all as we have a busy day today with a 2 hour service this morning where David is giving the message, then we have youth group this afternoon for another 2 hours where Carol and I will be leading. This evening David and I will be attending and sharing in the mens group.
Saturday 24 October 2009
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Feeding and small group in Sto. Rosario
Today was our first full day in the Philippines, not interrupted by needing to sleep off jetlag.
Us MacDougalls went to visit the feeding programme in Sto. Rosario and thereafter shared in the small group. The Alexanders went off to visit at Block 37, I'm sure David will be along to tell of their day soon.
We had to use the traditional methods of transport in the Philippines, namely Jeepney and Trike, Sarah now has become addicted to riding on the outside of trikes, sitting side-saddle behind the driver, she clearly wants her dear old Dad to die of heart failure before his time:
I don't have a picture of Sarah side-saddle yet, but I'm sure I'll get one soon, here is Carol after her first time inside one of the machines:
We were warmly welcomed:
The children do some activities and sing some worship songs:
Then they have their food, in Sto. Rosario sixty children under six are fed, three times a week. They have a dish called lugaw (lougow) or sticky rice, it consists of rice, soup and chicken pieces:
Carol and Sarah were able to help with the feeding:
After the feeding the parents stay on for small group, Carol and I shared some Bible study with the group and then we took a photo of the group:
Us MacDougalls went to visit the feeding programme in Sto. Rosario and thereafter shared in the small group. The Alexanders went off to visit at Block 37, I'm sure David will be along to tell of their day soon.
We had to use the traditional methods of transport in the Philippines, namely Jeepney and Trike, Sarah now has become addicted to riding on the outside of trikes, sitting side-saddle behind the driver, she clearly wants her dear old Dad to die of heart failure before his time:
I don't have a picture of Sarah side-saddle yet, but I'm sure I'll get one soon, here is Carol after her first time inside one of the machines:
We were warmly welcomed:
The children do some activities and sing some worship songs:
Then they have their food, in Sto. Rosario sixty children under six are fed, three times a week. They have a dish called lugaw (lougow) or sticky rice, it consists of rice, soup and chicken pieces:
Carol and Sarah were able to help with the feeding:
After the feeding the parents stay on for small group, Carol and I shared some Bible study with the group and then we took a photo of the group:
Message from Jane
Dear All,
What an experience we are all having with our friends in Manila!
Today David, Sarah, Grace and I visited Block 37, first to the feeding programme where Sarah and Grace helped to serve food to the needy children, then to meet various members of the community that HOM have been able to help. We met Ana Rose who has had her first operation to repair her cleft palate and hare lip. She seems so much stronger than when I visited her earlier in the year.
We met one lady whose shanty was completely destroyed in the typhoon, she is also very poorly with a cough and malnourished, living in what we would consider a garden shed with a curtain for one of the walls. We are really hoping that some of the money raised for flood relief may be able to be used to help this poor lady and her family.
This evening the girls (the two Sarahs and Grace) have gone to the youth group's initiative of starting Bible Study in the communities. They are going to three separate groups so we are hoping they will be well looked after and praying for their safety in the communities in the dark!
If they have enough energy after this they will be joining Carol for music practise to prepare for the service tomorrow.
David is preparing his sermon for tomorrow-Sally told him the preaching usually lasts an hour-so watch out St Thomas when he returns!
We miss you very much John and wish you were here with us. Yesterday the girls were shown the house you helped to renovate and told that five families sheltered there during the floods. The Nanna of the family was in tears as she recounted this story and remembered your goodness.
Thank you to Aunite Fran and Uncle Bob and to many others who continue to pray for us. We really value your prayers for us and for the work of HOM. Please continue!
God bless, much love from Jane xx
Friday 23 October 2009
Message from Carol
Hi praying friends and family in Luton, I made it!! All the way to the other side of the world.
Travelling was not too bad and the tropical weather here is really strange but we have been warmly welcomed by the Hands of Mercy Team.
Hi Tara, don't worry - all is fine and we are feeling very much at home here already.
The poverty in the Philippines is visible from the air and a short trip to the local mall highlighted that even more so - I am looking forward to sharing God's love with the people I am in contact with.
Tomorrow we will be helping at the feeding programme and Ian and I will be speaking at a small group. In the afternoon we get the opportunity to meet up with our long term sponsored child Joana Marie and we are so much looking forward to that. In the evening I am hoping to practise with the worship group for Sunday service but we'll see if I last that long.
Sarah is really tired from travelling but is a little better now and embracing the experience with enthusiasm.
Hi Ron, Tasha, Helen, Jam, Bob and Fran - thanks for your continued prayer support.
Ron, I have your discipleship notes to hands
love to you all xxx
Travelling was not too bad and the tropical weather here is really strange but we have been warmly welcomed by the Hands of Mercy Team.
Hi Tara, don't worry - all is fine and we are feeling very much at home here already.
The poverty in the Philippines is visible from the air and a short trip to the local mall highlighted that even more so - I am looking forward to sharing God's love with the people I am in contact with.
Tomorrow we will be helping at the feeding programme and Ian and I will be speaking at a small group. In the afternoon we get the opportunity to meet up with our long term sponsored child Joana Marie and we are so much looking forward to that. In the evening I am hoping to practise with the worship group for Sunday service but we'll see if I last that long.
Sarah is really tired from travelling but is a little better now and embracing the experience with enthusiasm.
Hi Ron, Tasha, Helen, Jam, Bob and Fran - thanks for your continued prayer support.
Ron, I have your discipleship notes to hands
love to you all xxx
UK Team Arrives in Metro Manila
We were hit!
It has been a long journey, with that sensation when travelling east of somehow losing a night. So here I am on a warm Manila Friday evening, very tired as I write this, not having slept more than an hour since getting up at 5am on Thursday morning. I'm not complaining you understand: it was a good flight spent watching movies (I did try to sleep, but couldn't), and I didn't feel tired till a few hours ago. But now it is time for bed once I have informed everyone of our arrival.
Sarah and Grace, our daughters who are with us on the trip, have also already been hit with the needs of this city, and the reason we are here. Whilst Jane and I sorted out some practical arrangements, they were taken by Sally and Joey on a quick tour by jeepney and tryc to some of the communities we will be working in, Block 37 and 38. The tour even included a visit to the local prison! Here they visited the Support Group and Bible Study that HOM hold for the prisoners, and which is very keenly welcomed.
We have been hit - by warmth and need in equal measure - and we are glad to be here!
Wednesday 21 October 2009
One Day to go to Visit of UK Team
We are excited that we will soon be on our way to see our friends in the Philippines, and hopefully give them some support at this difficult time for many of them. We are busy packing and doing those many things that need to be done. The on-line check-in with Cathy Pacific was a bit laborious, but we are now all booked and ready to go.
Soon we shall be in the heat, humidity and bustle of Metro Manila.
We hope to be distributing much needed rice, medicines and repairing shelters damaged by the typhoons, as well as giving encouragement to the Hands of Mercy team who no doubt must be exhausted after their recent trials.
If anyone wants further information about Hands of Mercy or to donate to help this vital work go to: http://www.handsofmercyph.org/
Monday 19 October 2009
3 Days to UK Team Visit
Three days to go to visit of team from UK to Manila. Please pray for Ian, Carol, Sarah, Jane, Sarah, Grace and David - that they may be a help and encouragement to the Hands of Mercy team working in the communities there.
Saturday 17 October 2009
Illness is rife
Unfortunately our friends in the Philippines are suffering with illness, mainly spread through contaminated water, diptheria, leptospirosis and dengue fever are now being seen along with the usual effects of drinking poor quality water
Typhoon Lupit threatens Philippines
There is another typhoon (possible super-typhoon) threatening the Philippines, see here for the current predicted track of the storm:
Predicted storm track
Predicted storm track
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