Filipino Bishops offer thanks for Church Response
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. (UMNS) — On Nov. 8, 2013, Typhoon Haiyan, possibly the strongest storm to ever reach land, devastated parts of the Philippines. Three Filipino bishops were far from home, attending a gathering of United Methodist bishops in the United States, when the world learned of the terrible destruction from the storm. Bishops Pedro M. Torio, Ciriaco Francisco, and Rudy Juan spoke with United Methodist Communications a few days after the storm and shared their appreciation for the prayers and support church members offered.
Bishop Juan said, “I believe that with help from The United Methodist Church worldwide, from countries that support the Philippines, we’ll rise above this and we’ll be able to move on. Because we are a global church, when one part of the world suffers, the other members of the connection will help. Because of our connection, there’s so much help. And thank you so much.”