THE ReAL THING

The super typhoons that blew heavily into the Southern Tagalog region of the Philippines last month left hundreds of families hurt and homeless. Three of the satellite churches of my home church UCCP [United Church of Christ in the Philippines] in Real, Quezon Province were torn down; one church was virtually wiped out. Several brethren were either dead or missing. I know...'makes you want to doubt the very existence of God, right? But in these times of pain and shifting shadows, let us all turn our eyes on heaven's light and liberator -- our Christ. Jesus the Word promised God's children that no matter what happens, these little ones would never be separated from the radar of His mysterious love. I thank God tremendously for THREE survivors in the humble town of Tignoan, Real--Pastor Dondon Martinez, his wife, and his child. Ptr. Dondon is one of the finest church leaders I've ever met, and I am grateful to God that this Church of Christ Disciple literally weathered the storms at that particular point of his life. It takes a man of such spirit and faith as Ptr. Dondon to remain standing, and then go the extra mile by helping his fellowmen in Real who were not quite as fortunate. If you, dear readers, are moved to help Ptr. Dondon's tragedy-stricken church and the other calamity victims of Real, in the form of relief goods or other acts of charity, please contact the National City United Church of UCCP, # 96 Times Street, West Triangle Homes, Quezon City, Philippines; with tel. nos. (632) 924-0101. GOD BLESS YOU...