From day one 8 August 2009, the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan General Assembly mobilized its committees and presbytery networks to participate in the immediate relief and rescue work of 88 Typhoon Morakot. At the onset PCT established nine (9) rescue and relief stations in the disaster areas. Their primary focus in the first phase was to participate in the rescue efforts, provide food, water, clothing, medical care and pastoral/trauma counseling as well as clean up operations.

These nine Disaster Relief Stations in cooperation with the General Assembly office, PCT Presbyteries and local congregations, coordinated volunteers, supplies and established nearly 20 shelters which accommodated and fed up to 2,000 victims of all ages.

After the first month of rescue the PCT Disaster Response is moving to the second phase – the following projects will be supported by the PCT disaster appeal funds:

Reconstruction Centres:

Of the original nine stations four have now disbanded having completed the phase one emergency rescue efforts. The five remaining centres will continue their ministries focusing on the specific needs of our indigenous ethnic people. Each centre will initially employee two full time staff and will carry out their ministries in close cooperation with the executive secretaries of the Presbytery where they are based:

Taitung – East Paiwan Presbytery

Pingtung – Paiwan Presbytery

Pingtung/Kaohsiung – Rukai District

South Bunun Presbytery

Alishan – Tsou District

Temporary and Permanent Housing:

In cooperation with government agencies many of the victims and evacuees have been allocated spaces at various military centres/facilities thus most of the temporary shelters have now completed their work in as far as providing accommodation is concerned. The accommodation at the military bases is more substantial and offers greater privacy for the many family units as well as more spacious environment which will help decrease the risk of infections. Church members, elders, deacons and pastors, however, continue their involvement through visits to the camps to offer counseling, listen and assess needs, to organize regular worship services, provide programmes for children and so on.

One of the hardest challenges in this transition period is the major issue of long term, permanent housing. Sadly the government response (rather lack of) at the beginning hindered the rescue process and this lack of confidence has been further exasperated ironically by the government’s attitude and “quick” policies and proposals for reconstruction of homes and village communities. This issue is of grave concern to the PCT and to indigenous communities that have been deeply affected by the disaster. PCT personnel are advocating with and on behalf of the indigenous people to ensure their voices are heard and their needs fully understood and respected by central and local government.

The PCT in cooperation with World Vision Taiwan is committed to build homes for about 1,000 family units. However, tense discussions continue - building a house is one thing but where to build is another issue with so many factors involved including safety, ecology, culture, community life, church, children’s education, employment, transport and so on. It is a complex situation.

Children’s Education:

The educational needs of children/youth, both orphaned and those from families whose main and staple support system has been destroyed as result of the disaster will receive financial support in terms of scholarship, tuition fees, dormitory fees, school materials - books, uniforms and so on.

Long and short term Employment needs:

After thorough land review and evaluation, projects to establish employment opportunities will be created by PCT. The agricultural sector and especially fruit farming was greatly devastated by the typhoon so this will call for major review by government and NGOs alike. The land itself requires time to heal and recuperate.

PCT related personnel and property:

Since the PCT has an active presence in majority of the affected villages and communities, inevitably our church property was also directly hit. To date it is estimated fifteen (15) church buildings will have to be re-built. Related to which is housing for pastors/evangelists.

The extensive direct and personal loss to church members will naturally affect local congregations’ ability to support themselves. Therefore, PCT will also undertake the salary support of its pastors/evangelist so they may be able to continue their mission and ministry alongside their sisters and brothers as they seek to rebuild their lives, homes and communities.

Our Appeal:

Based on our valuable experience with earthquake disaster relief we know that realistically these rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts will need our energy and commitment for a minimum of four years and more. In order to participate fully the PCT disaster appeal estimated target stands at about six and half million US$ – how to keep the momentum going to achieve our goal is another challenge.

However, we are optimistic - we thank the Lord for the outpouring of love and solidarity Taiwan witnessed the past month. By the grace of our sovereign God and prayers of the faithful and caring hearts we trust PCT can reach its collective goal. On behalf of the victims of 88 Typhoon Morakot – we humbly thank you for your support and participation.

Reported by Rev. Lyim Hong-Tiong [PCT Associate General Secretary] Coordinator of the PCT-GA Disaster Relief and Reconstruction Committee 88 Typhoon Morakot - written by Carys Humphreys, PCT support staff