Global Call to Pray for Those Affected by Disasters Worldwide

HOPE worldwide is asking for prayers for those around the world that are currently being affected by disasters. In the last several months thousands in the ICOC family of churches were affected in some way by a natural disaster. From the Bahamas to Mozambique, the Philippines to Puerto Rico and many places in between, recent disasters have affected millions around the world.

HOPE worldwide has responded to many of these disasters and continues to do so. Currently, we are assessing the situations to determine how best HOPE worldwide global office can support these disasters. In many cases where there is not a HOPE worldwide Chapter/Country Member or ICOC church congregation that is nearby to assist, HOPE worldwide provides technical assistance and advises on how best to support neighbors in these situations.

Global Disaster Updates

• Multiple earthquakes have struck the south coast of Puerto Rico. The Church in San Juan/HOPE worldwide Puerto Rico Chapter is on the other side of the island. All of the disciples are OK and unharmed. The power is back on in San Juan.

• Volunteers from the HOPE worldwide Puerto Rico Chapter and the Iglesia de Cristo de Puerto Rico are traveling to the hard-hit Ponce and Guanica areas on the southern coast of the island to help those affected by the earthquakes.

• The Taal Volcano in the province or Batangas erupted and caused an earthquake and lava flow in the area as well as a significant ash release. Thousands have been evacuated and the effects of the ash plume are being felt as far away as Manila. All of the disciples are accounted for and safe. Some have been evacuated from the area and are living with other church families.

• Typhoon Ursula Daan Batayan, Philippines: On Christmas 2019, the area was hit hard by Typhoon Ursula. As you may have already read, a HOPE Volunteer Corps group was on the ground and took shelter in the Center of Hope. All of the HVC team is OK, but the homes of several disciples in the area as well as the Center of HOPE were badly damaged. HOPE worldwide provided an immediate relief grant of $25,000, which has been matched by other generous donations to help rebuild the center and assist with the repairs on several homes.

• Wildfires are burning in multiple locations throughout Australia. The disciples in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and other areas are safe and unharmed. While smoke is affecting almost the entire continent, the damage is not directly impacting the ICOC churches. HOPE worldwide Australia is assessing the situation to identify where they can best help their neighbors.

Thank you so much for your support and please continue to pray for all those affected by these devastating disasters.

To support our Global Response Disaster efforts, please Donate Here.

For information about the HOPE worldwide Global Disaster Response Team or questions contact:

Charles Ham, Global Disaster Advisor charles.ham@hopeww.org

Dave Tomlinson, Director, Global Disaster Response dave.tomlinson@hopeww.org

Paul Fruge ́ II, Sr. Director, Marketing & Communications paul.fruge@hopeww.org

Learn more about our Global Disaster Response at hopeww.org/global-disaster-response.