Mission Love Seeds, based in Destin and founded by John and Barbi Carroll-Hawbaker, is responding yet once again to those who are in need — and praying for a Christmas miracle.
The United Nations is rushing food, shelter and clean water to the Philippines, following last weekend’s devastating tropical storm. It is estimated that 1,000 died when Tropical Storm Washi came ashore on the big southern island of Mindanao on Dec. 16. Washi, known as Sendong in the Philippines, raked the southern Philippines islands, finally emerging in the South China Sea, where it lost strength.
The latest count listed 957 dead and 49 missing and is expected to climb further as additional bodies are recovered from the sea and mud in Iligan and Cagayan de Oro cities. Most of the dead were women and children who drowned when flash floods triggered by a tropical storm gushed into homes while people were asleep.
“In just a few days, Mission Love Seeds staff who are based in the Philippines will travel to affected areas to give aid to families and share the love of Jesus,” Barbi said.
Fely Zapanta, MLS coordinator in the Philippines, her brother Al and brother-in-law Michael plan to fly to north coast of the island of Mindanao, where the major ports of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan were worst hit. Michael’s family lives in that area and no one has heard from any of them, and they are not sure if the family is alive or dead.
None of Mission’s villages were affected by this recent disaster, but Mission works in the Philippines and goes where the Lord leads them. This recent disaster comes at a time when the mission staff is busy preparing for the Christmas activities in all of the villages where Mission does most of their work. The staff cooks all night in shifts and then carries the food to the villages for the Christmas feedings. Other staff members are now giving 100 percent to organizing the relief efforts for storm victims.
“The news in the Philippines breaks our hearts,” Barbi said. “John and I have plans to lead a team to the Philippines in February 2012. We will not go until that time, but we have a large staff there. They are organizing and will be going to the area as soon as we are able to wire funds for much needed supplies. The plan is to purchase supplies in the Philippines because shipping is so expensive and delivery can take more than 60 days.
“No donation is too small. These people don’t even have money to bury their love ones. Please, help if you can. Every dollar will go to help families.”
Donations may be made at missionloveseeds.org or mail to Mission Love Seeds, P.O. Box 1717, Destin FL 32540.

{ 0 comments }