Bishop Ough seeks prayers for victims of Typoon Haiyan.  I am shocked and overwhelmed by the scale of devastation in the Philippines.  I have been watching the news reports from Lake Junaluska, North Carolina, where the Council of Bishops is meeting.  Each day we have received an increasingly grim report from our Filipino bishops. The Psalmist’s words echo in my mind and penetrate my soul:
Hear my prayer, Lord!
Listen closely to my cry for help!
Please do not ignore my tears!   
Psalm 39:12a CEB
We are days away from our national day of Thanksgiving.  Most of us have been blessed many time over.  I encourage you to give expression to your blessings from God, by listening deeply, praying fervently, and responding generously to the cries for help from our Filipino  sisters and brothers.  Please, do not ignore their tears!

Typhoon Haiyan, possibly the strongest storm ever to make landfall, battered parts of the Philippines on Friday, November 8, 2013.

With sustained winds of 195 mph, the category 5 storm cut a swath of devastation across the tip of Cebu and tore through the three large island provinces of Samar, Leyte and Bohol. UMCOR, the relief agency of The United Methodist Church, is working with partners in the Philippines to provide assistance following the typhoon.

United Methodists across the globe are in solidarity with the people in the Philippines and all those affected, offering prayers, support and aid.

Read the latest news about the Church’s commitment to long-term recovery efforts. Donate to the cause at UMCOR’s website: Disaster Response, International (#982450): Typhoon Haiyan (sub-designation). You can also text the word UMCOR to 80888 to give an immediate $10 donation.