The grim toll from a typhoon that devastated southern Philippines earlier this month continues to climb, with 1,020 reported dead as of Sunday morning, authorities said.
Residents gather their belongings after their house was destroyed by strong winds brought about by Typhoon Bophal earlier this month
Officials fear the toll from the December 4 storm will rise further. Because while rescue crews continue searching, the chances of finding people alive dim with each passing day. With 844 still missing and 1.2 million families displaced, Bopha is the strongest and deadliest storm to hit the Philippines this year, according to the country’s emergency management agency. ? Source ?
We have many Filipinos in our Church, Kensington Temple. My prayers are for them, their families and their people. Would you join with me in prayer for the Philippines. During these difficult days, we pray for those stricken by the devastation of Typhoon Bopha and for those who have committed themselves to responding to their need.
We pray that those who suffer find comfort through their faith in God and through the loving kindness of those emergency workers and volunteers who have come to their aid.
We pray for those who have lost so much. God, grant them the strength to rebuild their lives.
From Psalm 42
Like a hind crying out for springs of water, so my soul cries out for You, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living El; O, when will I come to appear before God?
My tears have been my food, day and night; my enemies taunt me all day, asking,
“Where is your God??
My God, my soul is cast down within me as I remember You in the land
of the Jordan River and Mount Herman’s peaks and the smaller mountain of Sinai.
Deep cries out to deep, the sounds of the opened sluices of heaven;
all your breakers and your billows have swept over me.
By day, Adonai will command chesed/lovingkindness, and at night,
God’s resting place will be with me; this is my prayer to the Almighty, God of my life.
I say to the Almighty, my Rock: “Why have you forgotten me?
Why must I walk in dark gloom, oppressed by enemies?? Crushing my bones,
my enemies revile me, taunting me all day with, “Where is your God??
Why so downcast, my soul? Why disquieted within me? Have hope in God!
I will yet praise God, my ever-present Help, my God.