Pastor Jun Balasbas is an awesome friend I made while I was looking for photographers in the Philippines to let me use their photos for the "Food For Thought" video. I just asked him about donations and what he thought I should do and this was his reply...


Message #1

:: ondoy

i'll send a few photo that my wife has taken a day after
the typhoon and will try to connect you to some of my
friends who have photos. many are still stranded on the roof
of their houses. And though a lot of donations are coming
in, still not enough for the people. And there are some more
places that are not yet reached by the rescuers and reliefs
and many are worried because another typhoon is on its way
and will hit the philippines this evening. continue to pray
and thank you for the support!

ywap and our church have also mobilized a donation drive to
help our brethrens specifically in Taytay Rizal. We're
planning to go there this Sunday to distribute goods and
cash to those who are affected. Not enough but a small help
will help them survive another day and ease a little of
their pain.

God bless Marq!

Jun


Message #2

:: Re: ondoy


It's so heart breaking to hear that many of the donations
are not getting to where it should go and some are even sold
to the victims!!! I think it's ok to donate in Red Cross but
you can not monitor where your donations are going. But they
constantly helping. Sadly, Gordon is the head of Phil Red
cross and is running for President...:) So he might use it
to gain popularity, etc.

you can donate to ywap if you trust us and we will donate
it directly to families. we will document our distributions
for you to see.

For your info: I think the "other" typhoon i'm talking
about has just arrived and it's raining wild here. According
to PAG-ASA, 'pepeng' is more violent than ondoy.:(

We need your prayers.
-----------------------------------------------


So there you go. Scary isn't it? gave me chills reading that. so now i'm having second thoughts on donating to the phil red cross now. i trust ywap and pastor jun's church. i've donated to their church retreat last year and he updated me as to what my donation went towards, even sent me a picture cd of all the ppl who were saved at the retreat. really great guy. if you want to donate i'll update this note when i get it.

please leave your thoughts and please repost this note if u like. thanks, God bless, and keep the Philippines in your prayers as another storm is on its way.

And don't forget to spread the word and come to our Oct 9 fundraiser!