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We pushed through with the feeding program even though it was raining. It was really humbling seeing the kids still come to the center for the food.
Actually I believe the kids really don’t just come there for the food, but for the love and affection they get. But anyways, we had to shut down early because the building started flooding.
We proceeded to go home, but the floods were getting worse and worse by the second. I have never seen anything like it, the flood waters was already waist-high.
It took us 5 hours to get home and actually got stuck in the flood. We finally got home and had no electricity.
We had to cancel all the plans and wait and see the aftermath of what had happened. The following day people got a glimpse of the damage that Ondoy had done.
Apparently the dams were getting ready to burst so they had to release the water. Thousands upon thousands of homes, cars, businesses,and people were flooded.
They say there was more water that fell in Metro Manila than Hurricane Katrina. Many of my friends and people I know were badly affected.
I actually lost a friend of mine named Tony Chua in the flood. He was the team manager of Red Bull, one of the teams in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
Mr. Chua was the main guy who was in my corner and wanting me to play basketball again. I lost 50 pounds in 3 months a lot of it was because of this man. He will surely be missed.
They canceled church all church services that Sunday and turned it into a relief and evacuation center. It was really mayhem here in Manila.
The phone lines were down, so you can imagine of people wondering if their friends and loved ones were okay. Because many had lost communication for more than 48 hours.
I am sure you have seen some of the videos of the damage. Over 300 people have been declared dead and that count is not yet the final tally.
The following day I went out with the Philippine Rowing Team to rescue some of the scholars and Pastors that were stranded in their homes. And I got to see first hand what these people were going through.
It was so sad. All the main roads were flooded, businesses, homes, cars, livestock, were all submerged and floating. Thousands upon thousands of people walking in the disease infested water to go to the market to get food. Some of them would walk as much as 5 hours in waist- and chest-high water.
We were out on the water for about 8 hours that day doing the little that we could do helping those get around and rescued a couple families. My heart totally went out to these people.
Especially seeing the children and some of the elderly people losing everything. Despite the conditions, I didn’t see to many people complaining, these Filipino people were doing their best to go along with life.
Doing what they can to support their families. I was really encouraged and inspired.
God promised in this world we will have trouble.
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:3)
I am reminded by the wise and foolish builder in Matthew 7. The one who built his house on rock and sand.
Jesus was talking to believers. Both people who heard the word.
One heard the word and put it into practice, and the other heard the word and didn’t. My prayer is that we would be a people who are grounded on the rock so when storms come we will be able to stand strong.
I know God is shaking this nation. I believe he is shaking the foundations of the people here in the Philippines.
It’s amazing to see the church rise up and really be the hands and feet of Jesus. I am excited to see what will take place. One thing is for sure many people will come to the saving knowledge Jesus Christ our Lord.
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