Bohol, Philippines

"Power is off all across the island and the streets are deserted,"

"It's dark and gloomy, alternating between drizzle and heavy rain,"

At least 5,000 survivors [of last month's earthquake] were still living in tents on Bohol, and they were moved to schools that had been turned into evacuation centers. (GMA News online)

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"This has been a quake hit area, for the past three weeks people are still experiencing aftershocks," said Aaron Aspi, a communications specialist in Bohol for the charity World Vision. "and at the same time these rains are giving them a really hard time....But there are a few thousand displaced families in quake hit areas that are still staying in makeshift tents and now that the super typhoon is here it is really heart breaking to see them struggling."

Aspi said many peoples' tents are drenched but they still too afraid to relocate to enclosed structures because of the aftershocks. (CNN.com)

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These are some of the reports coming out of Bohol, Philippines! 

Why do I care since it's on the other side of the world from us?

 Well, 12 days ago, my in-laws left the USA to move to Bohol, Philippines! They are missionaries; and they were excited to be heading there since just a couple weeks before they left, Bohol was the center of a BIG earthquake. The island reported over 200 people killed in the earthquake, roads were impassable, buildings collapsed; the island of Bohol was a mess when they arrived. But they were excited to jump right in and start helping with relief efforts!

AND THEN, one week after arriving, they see the weather report of this ginormous Typhoon heading right for them. The area hasn't even had a chance to recuperate from last month's earthquake or from the literally hundreds of aftershocks. People are living in tents because they are scared to go into buildings- they fear another earthquake will collapse the building and they'll die. However, you aren't safe in tents when the biggest Typhoon- possibly EVER in history- is heading straight toward you!

We have not yet heard from my in-laws. I spent much of today worried, but then I had to stop myself. My "spiritual spanking" kicked in... God reminded me of 
Philippians 4:8 

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

The GOOD REPORT is that God is in control. The TRUTH is that, as of right now, no casualties have been reported in Bohol. So where I have been worried, there is no room for worry- not when HE is in control! I am doing my darndest to THINK ON THESE THINGS!  And, I find it funny that just a few days ago, my entire post was "Don't Worry, Be Happy!" 

Please join me and my family in prayer for Nick and Debbie and the people of the Philippines who are going through this very trying time. Pray that the power turns on soon so they can call me and let me know they're okay! Trying to NOT worry!!

Nick and Debbie- Missionaries to Bohol, Philippines

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