The year 2020 started in agitation and fear as the Taal volcano spewed ashes on January 12, affecting the surrounding towns in southern Luzon, as well as Metro Manila, and even some areas of Central Luzon. Then, the Coronavirus which started in China was declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization on January 31. These events brought us to our knees, allowing the whole nation, leaders of different sectors and common people alike, to pray for protection and peace.
By God’s grace, the alert level on Taal was lowered to Level 2 by Philvolcs on February 14 and to this day, we only have three confirmed cases of Coronavirus infection here in the Philippines, compared to the rising numbers in neighboring countries. We have much to be thankful for.
Through gifts from ministry partners and the IGSL community, three groups of faculty, students, staff, and alumni distributed relief packs and sleeping equipment and ministered to families in Batangas.
- 208 families in Calaca, Batangas
- 60 families in Bauan, Batangas
- 130 families in Lemery, Batangas (not included in the video)
- 300 families in Balanga, Batangas through Real Life Christian Communities (not included in the video)
Let’s continue to pray for the rehabilitation and recovery of families in Batangas, Laguna, and other areas affected by the phreatic eruption of Taal.
Pray also that we would be spared from COVID-19. Let’s ask for God’s healing and mercy for countries that are most affected by the virus.
News sources:
ABS-CBN. ABS-CBN joins call for synchronized “Prayer for Peace” on Feb 7.
Arceo, Acor. Phivolcs lowers Taal Volcano to Alert Level2.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/251810-taal-volcano-eruption-alert-level 2-february-14-2020
BBC. Coronavirus declared global health emergency by WHO.