Dear Praying Friends,
 
Over the weekend the Philippines was hit by a major typhoon (hurricane) which has devastated a large part of the city of Manila where we have over 30 missionaries living who serve with First Love including our son, David, and his family. Electrical power and internet are out in most of the city but I did receive a text message from David in which he stated that they are all fine, but that so many of their neighbors and the poor families whom they minister to have lost everything that they own.  Please hold the Philippines close to your heart in prayer this week and also our missionaries as they reach out to all that they are able to help. The link shown below will give you a clear picture of what is happening in the Philippines right now.  I have also listed a note below from Rev. Vince Burke who serves as a church planter with First Love in Manila.  God bless you! 
 
Love, Tom (for Linda and the First Love family in the Philippines too!)
 
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/PhilippinesFlooding/ss/events/wl/092709philippinesflo   
 
Dear Friends,
I have received a few emails asking about the flooding in Manila. I haven’t been able to respond yet because we have been without power and water, so of course, no internet at home. The public internet places were standing room only, so I haven’t been able to get anything out until now. We were fortunate to have avoided the worst of the flooding since our home is up high. Julie and I were stranded at Faith Academy the morning the rains, and flooding hit. I almost tried to get through some deep water to get home but decided not to when I saw a van in a river of flood-water. The water at that point was  up to the doors. Boy, am I glad I refrained, that van is a crunched up piece of metal 100 yards into the adjoining golf course. The river became a raging torrent that wiped out several squatter homes in the area. This is nothing however, compared to what happened almost all over Manila.
 
I was able to view some footage of the destruction in Manila and its surreal to see pictures of places we frequent so transformed by the flood waters. It will not be business as usual for a long time here in Manila. Julie and I brought food and clothes to some of those near Faith Academy that were affected by the flooding. They were so grateful…it makes you feel almost guilty that we got off so easy. We hope to do more as things continue to dry out…though threats of another typhoon are in the news. It is mind-boggling to see this so close to home.  It is a bit overwhelming to imagine the devastation and discouragement felt by so many. So many that we know lost cars, homes, everything in their homes etc…Please keep us in your prayers as we seek to help in any way we can, individually, through our church, through Faith Academy and through First Love. 
 
In His Grace
Vince and Lori Burke, Julie and Vinny