Ed and Mila Vailliencourt: January 2007
Dear Prayer Partners,
"Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf." 2 Cor. 2:11
SUPER TYPHOON - On November 30th we were hit again by a powerful typhoon, but this time much worse. It has been reported that the winds reached in excess of 165 mph and that there was nearly a half meter of rain that fell in that 8 hour period of the storm. The results were devastating, causing a flash flood in the city of Legazpi and mudflows in various villages surrounding the volcano, leaving thousands homeless and over 1,200 people dead or missing.
CHURCH DAMAGE - Approximately 5 foot of water flooded our city, while nearly 4 foot of water passed through our church. The damage to the infrastructure is over $3,000, not including the loss of our piano, pulpit, keyboard, projector, assistant pastor's computer, hymnals, volumes of books that are now moldy, and nearly all of our Sunday School materials. We were doing our best to salvage all that we could, but as we turned the pages of the materials, they would tear, and once they were dry, they stuck together. The loss has been great as it represented years of collecting, purchasing, and many lessons that were given to us by many of our supporting churches.
TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT - The edge of the mudflow that covered many homes and took approximately 200 lives in the village of Padang is only 300 meters from our house. Padang is "no more". It is a barren area of roof tops and huge boulders. Padang is just one of the five areas within the slopes of the volcano that claimed many lives. Mila and I are very much concerned for our safety where we are. We covet your prayers for our Lord's continued protection in view of the possible threat that exist in our location until such time that we can relocate.
YOUR SUPPORT HAS BEEN OVERWELMING - From the depths of our heart, Mila and I convey our "Thanks" to all who have given financial aid in this time of great need and have upheld us in your prayers. Through your generosity it has enabled us to help 75% of our church families with various amounts. The work at the church is ongoing. We purchased a second hand piano and it has arrived. Our pianist is on cloud nine! The church is springing back slowly but surely. To God be the glory!
PRAYER REQUEST:
- Discipleship of Ballecer Family
- Construction of the Gayanes home
- Discipleship of Magayanes Family
- Restoration of electric power