Bayanihan para sa Tacloban

Prayers and aid for those affected by Haiyan.

Dear Father, clear a path for teams to provide immediate relief for affected families. Now that the storm has passed over the country, put Your hand on the people of the Philippines and everyone involved in the relief effort, so that aid may reach those in need speedily.

Caritas Manila Damayan BPI 3063-5357-01; BDO 5600-45905; Metrobank 175-3-17506954-3; Unionbank 00-030-001227-5; for US$ donations: BPI 3064-0033-55 (Swift Code: BOPIPHMM) or PNB 10-856-660002-5 (Swift Code: PNBMPHMM); email donorcare@caritasmanila.org.ph or call (632) 564-6678

Just to share a thought: the initial reaction of giving leads to an outpouring of aid in the first weeks after an incident.  However, as a staff of another charitable institution I interviewed before said, the aid tends to trickle down in the ensuing weeks or months when aid is still very much needed.  I just noticed some posts in the social media networks regarding worries that December might be a bit late in raising more funds.  As I've written earlier, every little bit helps and no aid is too late -- be it money, food, clothes, and of course, prayers.  While we may never understand why our country has been visited by one calamity after another especially in the light of the earthquake in Bohol just weeks ago, all I know is that each one becomes an opportunity to rise above the occasion and help each other.

Lord, You consistently tell us in Your Word to care for the poor and needy among us. So we ask You to touch people's hearts to care for and give to help this very needy region. Help donations to be used efficiently and effectively to help those who need them most.