Two local missionaries are feeling the pinch with their work in the Philippines.
When Typhoon Haiyan ripped through Leyte province on Nov. 8, Joven and Anita Antolin, of Strong Roots Ministry, were holed up with 57 others from Aklan, one of the villages devastated by storm, in their partially built bed and breakfast.
Even though not fully built, the bed and breakfast, which has a concrete frame, was more sturdy than most of the local homes built from bamboo.
Linda Stam, Anita’s mother, received an update from her son-in-law on Saturday.
They’re still without power, food and water is scarce, illness is becoming rampant, the bed and breakfast lost it’s roof, but others in the village lost far more.
“Some families lost everything,” said Stam. “One family, who had already lost two children, now have two with pneumonia.
“They need food. They need water. They need medical supplies.”
For five years Strong Roots Ministry has been on the ground, actively supporting the third world country.
It sponsors children to go to school; operates a feeding program for school children three times a week; tutors students; and teaches new trades to the locals, including a gardening program to ensure proper nutrients are being obtained.
But now, it’s in crisis mode.
Partnering with Chilliwack non-profit organization Hungry For Life International, the missionaries hope to raise enough money to fulfill those needs for those most affected.
To donate, go to Hungry For Life website https://www.gifttool.com/donations/Donate?ID=1397&VER=1&LNG=EN
Others in Chilliwack have also picked up the fundraising ball.
From now until Nov. 22, Watson elementary is holding a bottle drive with all proceeds going to the Philippines relief fund.
Bottles can be dropped off at the front of the school from 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m..‘CHIEFS TO THE RESCUE’
The Chilliwack Chiefs – under the banner of Chiefs to the Rescue – is holding a fundraising telethon on Nov. 21, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
For four hours, the team’s players will be manning the phones, taking pledges.
The phone number to call is 604 392-4433.
As well, the Chiefs are accepting donations at its Nov. 23 home game.
“When we see a city larger than Vancouver virtually wiped off the map and hear stories of desperation and pain like we have been witnessing on television over the past week, how can we not step up and do something to help?” said Chiefs’ president Glen Ringdal.
Typhoon Haiyan, a category five storm, ripped through Leyte province on Nov. 8 with winds up to 380 kilometres per hour and a 16-foot-high wall of ocean water crashing down. Thousands are dead, and thousands more displaced from their homes.
