30 September 2009

Bishop Eliezer M. Pascua
General Secretary
United Church of Christ in the Philippines

Dear Bishop Pascua

Typhoon Ketsana (Ondoy)

The past recent days the media has brought to our screens and papers images of the damage in the aftermath of the Typhoon Ketsana. Please know the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan (PCT) extends to the people of the Philippines and your church our deepest condolences and sympathy as you deal with this large scale flooding.

The images we saw are all too familiar since just over a month ago in early August, Taiwan as you know also experienced the worst rainfall and flooding in 50 years generated by Typhoon Morakot. Thus our hearts go out to you in a poignant way as we empathize fully with you in this disaster. The loss and damage is great while the relief and reconstruction efforts will take a long time.

Once the extent of the damage becomes clearer we would appreciate your reports. In the meantime we want you to know the PCT sends to you all our condolences and assurance of prayers. We also appreciate this is not an easy time for the thousands of relatives who are working and living away from their loved ones in countries such as Taiwan.

As the UCCP, the NCCP evaluate and asses the extent of the damage and begin the task of reconstruction we pray the Lord will give you strength and wisdom.

Sincerely yours in Christ

Rev. Chang Te-Chien (Andrew)
PCT General Secretary

Links for more information:

http://www.uccp.org.ph

http://www.nccphilippines.org