November 12, 2013

To:
CCA Member Churches and Council in the Philippines

Dear Friends,
We are shocked and deeply saddened at the loss of lives and the massive destruction that was caused by super typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in the Philippines, particularly in the coastal city of Tacloban in Samar Island and Leyte.

Our heart goes out to the victims of the storm and tsunami-like surges of sea water, and share the sorrow and grief of those who have been bereaved and are in mourning. We have heard stories of men and women who died even while they were trying to protect their children and loved ones from the storm and the formidable waves that surged into the city. We are overwhelmed by the staggering estimates of more than 10,000 dead and millions
affected by the devastation.

We the members of the Christian Conference of Asia, express our heartfelt solidarity, with the people who have lost their loved ones, their homes, and their entire city. We pray for the rescue workers who are trying desperately to reach the stranded victims and also for the city
authorities who have to manage a disaster of such huge proportions. It is a tragedy that though 800,000 were moved to churches, schools and public buildings, the brick-and-mortar structures were simply no match for the fury of the storm. The tragedy is a reminder of the helplessness of human beings in situations like this.

We would like to affirm the resilience of the people in the Philippines in times of adversity and pray that once again they will be blessed with the courage and strength to rise, and will continue to look toward God with faith and hope. We pray for the tireless efforts of the churches in the Philippines to respond to these massive and recurring calamities.

As a token of solidarity CCA shares a small amount to help with the relief work of NCC Philippines, accompanied by continued prayers for those kind helping hands in the service of the survivors.

May I take this opportunity to encourage you my dear sisters and brothers of CCA member churches, councils and ecumenical partners, to uphold the churches and people in the Philippines in our prayers. You may send your letters of solidarity and support to the Philippines through the General Secretary of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP), Rev. Rex Reyes at his email address: "Rex R B. Reyes Jr." <padirex@gmail.com>

May I also appeal to all CCA member churches and councils to support and donate to the CCA Emergency Fund. This fund is intended to respond in the quickest way to emergency needs that may arise. This is also our way of expressing our unity in Christ as we show solidarity and care for each other in times of calamities.

You can send your support to CCA account with the following details:

Hang Seng Bank
Hankow Road Branch
4 Hankow Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Account number: 295-4-709594 (Multi Currencies A/C)
Swift Code: HASEHKHH

If you need further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

May God, the source of life, guide us, especially the churches and the people in the Philippines in these trying times.

"The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knows them that trust in him."
-Nahum 1:7

Sincerely yours,
Henriette Hutabarat Lebang
General Secretary

Copy to:
1. CCA Member Churches and Councils
2. The Members of the General Committee, Program Areas and Ecumenical Partners