Dec. 5, 2006 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - As search and rescue teams continue to retrieve bodies from the mud and debris following Typhoon Reming, the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC) is preparing to respond with food, shelter, and hope.
CRWRC already was responding to the effects of an earlier typhoon when the new storm hit the Philippines.
"Deadly amounts of lava and mud from Mt. Mayon volcano impacted eight villages in the region, either burying or flooding thousands of houses and engulfing hundreds of individuals," explained Lem Rosellon, a CRWRC-Philippines staff member.
"It continues to be a terrible and horrible sight as more and more bodies are retrieved. The death tolls have reached over a thousand. Nearly all of those affected are poor families who are crying out for help and mercy."
CRWRC and its Filipino partners have been on the site since soon after the disaster struck. There, they have been meeting with affected people and churches to determine where food and shelter is most needed. In addition to meeting these physical needs, CRWRC plans to send teams of counselors to the region.
"Let us pray for the grieving families, and join hands to show Christ's unfailing love to thousands of survivors in the towns of Albay," Rosellon requested.
Gifts to CRWRC's "Philippines Typhoon" response can be given online at www.crwrc.org or by calling 1-800-552-7972 (US) or 1-800-730-3490 (Canada).
CRWRC is a Christian, non-profit organization of the Christian Reformed Church in North America. With offices in Burlington, Ontario and Grand Rapids, Mich, CRWRC provides a ministry of development, relief, and justice education to people in need around the world. CRWRC is currently active in 30 countries, and has an international reputation for "helping people help themselves."
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To arrange an interview, please contact: Val Henschel at 1-800-730-3490, x. 298
Beth DeGraff
degraffb@crcna.org
CRWRC US Media and Justice Contact
ph: 616-241-1691 x4191
fax: 616-724-0806
www.crwrc.org <http://www.crwrc.org/>
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Henry Hess
hessh@crcna.ca
Director of Communication
Christian Reformed Church
To learn more about the Christian Reformed Church visit us at www.crcna.org <http://www.crcna.org