Emergency Relief and Recovery

MEANS Emergency Relief and Recovery Initiatives 2025

“How long, LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?  How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart?  How long will the enemy triumph over me?” Psalm 13:1-2

Once again, disaster has visited the Philippines.  This time, it was an earthquake!  On Tuesday, September 27, it struck with a powerful 6.9 magnitude in Bogo, Medellin, and San Remigio, in Cebu damaging churches, schools, public buildings and transport infrastructure.  Today, it was reported that 72 people had died, over 111,000 people have been impacted and over 20,000 displaced.  The earthquake comes barely more than a week after the country was hit by back to back typhoons which killed more than 20 people, destroying infrastructure and crops.

Our ministry partner in Cebu Intervarsity Christian Fellowship of the Philippines and its constituents, have mobilized to help earthquake survivors.   They requested if MEANS could lend some helping hands, too.  After consultation with the MEANS leadership, we decided to send financial help.  Hence, this letter.

Listed below are initiatives that will help our ministry partner IVCF Philippines, Cebu  to show Jesus’ compassion in  times of need. Please help us help them.  They have the information, the network, the capacity, and volunteers to help earthquake survivors.  These are what we plan to help them with;

1. Rice Distribution –  Provide survivors with rice pack of 10 pounds per bag. As of October 4, we bought 1,000 pounds (500 kilos) of rice repacked to 5 kilos each or 100 packs to be given to 100 families. Cost is $50 per 100 pounds of rice (1 sack of rice)

2. Solar flashlights– With limited or no electricity, solar flashlights is one of our practical immediate help. It is portable, rechargeable, low energy consumption LED lantern suitable for home use and can be used as a lamp, a flashlight, and a power bank. Cost per unit is $3.00.

3. Clean and Safe Water –  Safe and potable water is the urgent need.  We have partnered with an NGO in the Philippines that provides 50 gallon drums with water filter attached. This will be installed per family who will have access to clean, safe, and potable water. At this moment we will provide 10 barrels with installed water filter. Cost per unit is $50.00

4. Psychosocial and counseling – Local professional counselors will conduct group debriefing and counseling for adults and children. The kids who are scared and traumatized do not want to go back to their homes.   MEANS will provide transportation and meals for the volunteers. Cost per meeting $50

5. Flip Flops – The Flip-flops (rubber slippers) will help protect children’s feet from rough terrain, infection, and soil-based diseases. The children’s feet are usually neglected by relief workers because most of the primary needs are met first before other non-essential things. Cost is $10 per 10 pairs of Flip flops

Give Online.  https://www.meansusa.org/?q=emergencyrelief