This Christmas season, the Good News that there is HOPE in Jesus is the essence of The Salvation Army’s ministry among the victims of typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

The uniting power of hope amidst tragedy brought The Salvation Army to a collaboration with the international organizations such as the Samaritan Purse, WHO (World Health Organization), UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund), UPS (United Parcel Service), and CMDA (Christian Medical and Dental Association).

To date, twenty one medical practitioners from other countries have come to join our team to provide medical and dental services in Tacloban. As of December 6, our relief team has distributed 3,586 parcels of goods to different barangays, and 2,603 packs of goods to people waiting for transport at Tacloban airport. As 2013 concludes, ten thousand (10,000) sacks containing household items and foods each costing Php1,093.05, are being transported to the affected areas.

Major Dean Pallant, Salvation Army International Health Services Coordinator says that the Philippine Territory may look forward to long term rebuilding projects such as livelihood, distribution of housing materials and health care services. Colonel Wayne Maxwell leads the territorial headquarters disaster response team in preparation for a conference in February when a group of donors from the international community and representatives from the International Headquarters will arrive to plan for future rehabilitation projects. .