The Rt. Rev. Rayford B. High, Jr., Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth has released the following statement concerning the ongoing tragedy in the Philippines:
I ask your prayers for our brothers and sisters in the Philippines, especially Bishop Edward Malecdan, Prime Bishop of the Episcopal Church of the Philippines, as they struggle in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Haiyan, which made landfall in the central Philippines on Saturday, November 8. Damage is so severe that it has been heartbreakingly difficult for relief agencies to get to the thousands in need. The death toll continues to rise with each passing day as survivors suffer without medical supplies, clean water, and food.
Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) is working through its local partner, the Episcopal Church in the Philippines, to assess needs and determine how best to respond and assist.
What can you do?
You can make a donation to ERD. In a happy accident of timing, any donation you make through December 6 will be matched, doubling the impact of your gift.
Most of all, pray for the people – for those who died in the storm and its aftermath, for the survivors who face unimaginable grief and loss, for the relief and aid workers, for the rescue teams.
O merciful God, who has taught us in your holy Word that you do not willingly afflict or grieve humanity: Look with pity upon the sorrows of your servants for whom our prayers are offered. Remember the people of the Philippines, those who died, those who grieve. Sustain them and all those working so hard to bring relief and aid. O Lord, in mercy, nourish their souls with patience, comfort them with a sense of your goodness, lift up your countenance upon them, and give them peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Click here to donate to Episcopal Relief and Development’s efforts in the Philippines.