At the close of the year the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan (PCT) expresses its humble and sincere gratitude to all the individuals, churches and organizations that have so generously responded and contributed to the disaster relief and reconstruction fund following the devastating Typhoon Morakot which struck our country on 8 August 2009.

In a period when numerous other countries around the globe have faced critical, natural tragedies the outpouring of love PCT experienced has been even more poignant. We are indeed thankful.

As was reported previously the PCT made a commitment to journey with our people through this tragedy. One of the first commitments was the establishment of disaster reconstruction care/service centres in the affected areas. While some of the original relief centres were disbanded seven reconstruction centres are currently in operation. It is projected these centres will continue to provide services for at least three years; during which time periodic evaluation of their programmes will be carried out. The estimated budget for staffing and services of these seven centres for three years is NT$30 million.

Originally the PCT indicated it would be cooperating with the World Vision Taiwan in regard to housing projects. This is still the case, however, the construction process has been greatly hampered by the extreme damage the typhoon caused to the land which was far beyond our imagination; land evaluation and negotiations with the government and related authorities continue – it is a slow and painful process. Consequently to this day some families continue to live in the relief housing provided by the military. Due to partnership with World Vision Taiwan and other substantial donors we are thankful to report the targeted budget for the housing has been reached. Please pray with us for this major task.

After the first phase of initial relief work and provision of shelter came to its close, the PCT moved its focus to long term spiritual and physical support of the families and communities. This includes pastoral and grief counseling, regular worship services, health care and the daily provision of meals/food, water and basic household supplies and so on. The typhoon victims can be divided into two categories: (i) families who lost everything and had to move out of their hamlets, villages and towns to temporary shelters - numbering in the region of 8,800 and (ii) families who have been able to continue living in their homes (hamlets and villages) but due to severe infrastructure and land damage have lost their livelihood and primary income support – estimated about 4,000 persons. For the period August to December 2009 the total expenses was NT$13,203,540.

Since the majority of the victims are in the agricultural sector after assessments the PCT indentified the first priority was not so much skill training but assistance to salvage arable land and provide farming equipment, crops and stock for animal husbandry. Example of one such project is in the Ali Mountain. Families from four neighbouring hamlets have been able to re-establish their livelihood. An area of 5.4 acres of land has been successfully cultivated to plant and harvest green onions and other local vegetables. Additionally the communities were provided with 10,000 free range chicks to rear and 1,000 piglets. This project now means about 120 persons have secure employment once again. The cost of the Ali Mountain agricultural project alone was almost three million NT$. Each area is initiating different projects and these are too numerous to mention here.

With regard to the education needs of children and youth we are able to report the government of Taiwan has made a substantial financial contribution to this sector therefore, PCT did not utilize as much donations in that area as initially projected. However, our church has focused on the spiritual and emotional needs of our people and through cooperation of the Reconstruction Centres, churches and schools, Life Education classes, workshops, seminars, training etc. are held on a regular basis. These are provided for various age groups from children, adults to seniors.

The fatal damage to PCT property was total destruction of 19 local churches and one education building. This also meant clergy housing was destroyed as majority live on church premises. As our church members were naturally affected this also meant the financial support of the pastor’s salaries and local church ministries has depleted to nil. The PCT has ensures our pastors are given salary support etc. to enable them to continue in their ministry as they suffer alongside their congregations. Currently about 50 clergy are provided monthly salary. Through the networking of PCT presbyteries a “twining” support system was established between the damaged churches and churches in other parts of Taiwan; such support is channeled through the disaster fund.

We trust this brief overview will help you in providing the necessary reporting to your constituent members and other citizens who have to date so graciously responded in kind to the victims of 88 Typhoon Morakot in Taiwan.

In closing we once again express our appreciation on behalf of our people and ask that you continue to keep these ongoing ministries of the PCT in your prayers because we know the past six months is just the starting point of this journey in solidarity. God bless you all.

Reported and submitted 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.