PHILIPPINES — “Take care of me, Lord.” These poignant words, spoken by 74-year-old widow Josefina, encapsulate the resilience and faith displayed during a super typhoon in the Philippines. Defined by the National Weather Service as a tropical cyclone with sustained winds of 150 mph, super typhoons are among nature’s most formidable forces—terrifying in their intensity and impact.

Josefina described the storm’s ferocity: “The wind sounded like ‘zzzzz.’” Heavy rain rendered visibility impossible, forcing her to retreat indoors, bracing herself for the unknown. Fear overwhelmed her as she attempted to pray, but even a brief prayer carries weight. As Matthew 6:7-8 reminds us, God knows our needs before we speak them.

A Massive Storm Strikes the Philippines

Though battered by eight days of relentless rain and wind, Josefina emerged from the storm alive. Yet survival brought new challenges. Her community endured two weeks without electricity, with no clear timeline for restoration. “I didn’t have a flashlight,” Josefina recounted. “I didn’t go outside as I might trip or something worse could happen.”

In response to these dire conditions, Operation Blessing’s disaster relief team delivered essential items such as solar lights, sleeping mats, and blankets to families in Batanes, including Josefina. These provisions brought much-needed relief and enabled her to regain some semblance of normalcy.

Expressing gratitude for the aid she received, Josefina shared, “Thank you, Lord, and thank you to your team because now I have something to use. First, I can use the light when cooking. And the blanket—it rains in November through February here, so it will be very good to use during the cold months.”

Through the unwavering support of donors and friends of Operation Blessing, Josefina’s community found hope amidst chaos. The organization’s efforts exemplify its mission to demonstrate God’s love by alleviating suffering and meeting tangible needs during crises.

As communities rebuild after disasters like this typhoon, Operation Blessing continues to stand as a beacon of hope—reminding those affected that they are not alone in their struggles.

About Operation Blessing

Operation Blessing (OB) provides humanitarian services such as strategic disaster relief, medical aid, hunger relief, clean water and community development. Founded in 1978, Operation Blessing has touched the lives of millions of people in more than 90 countries and every state.

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