36 CityLight.org
march 2012
is great and more money is necessary to keep
the work going and expand the project to help
more families left homeless by the storm. He
said that the supplies required to build a new
home cost only $500. Reports indicate that
there were 30,000 families displaced by the
storm. The initial project to build 5 homes
is only a beginning. There are still so many
families in need of new homes.
One person who has seen the benefits of
the work that has already been done is Pas-
tor Mendio, "I thank the Lord that I, my
neighbors, and church members benefited
from the relief operation." He explained
that his own "house and properties were all
gone, but we were able to escape to higher
grounds. Now I praise God again for the
continuing effort of the servant of God
who will help us rebuilt our houses. We
were given construction materials to re-
build our houses, but it is not enough. We
pray that God will provide."
Another person devastated by the storm is
affectionately known as Grandpa Jessie. He
said, "I lost everything, but I am so grateful
to have received love gifts by the time the
calamity happened. And now I can start to
build my new house, though the material is
not enough to finish, but still I am thankful
at least we can start, thanks to the effort of
Brother Gerson and the team."
Jerry Dragon represents another family
helped by the initial construction effort. He
said, "my children, my wife and myself were
so thankful to the Lord and to our donors
for such extending hands in assisting us to
have a new structural house; for we believe
that we will receive another assistance to
finish (our home)."
Another family being helped is the family of
Ramil Betinol. He recounted, "my family was
so happy receiving the partial assistance for
(our new home) from our God and from the
donors; even though we suffered in losing our
old house and the household belongings . . .
still (we) were so thankful because our lives
were spared by the help of God."
Gerson explained that the need is both
great and immediate, and that every dollar
counts in this effort; any and all help will be
greatly appreciated and will make a lasting
difference to the families devastated by the
typhoon and the damage it caused. Gerson
and the team are also involved with "relief
orphanages" and youth organizations to
help with children and young people whose
parents died during the disaster.
Matter of the Heart is a ministry combining
efforts with King Jesus Christian Fellowship,
Philippines and Fellowship of His Suffer-
ings, US. Matter of the Heart is a not-for-
profit fundraising initiative campaigning, on
the net and in print, to raise awareness and
aid to satisfy needs for various projects that
are underfunded and largely unpublicized.
Matter of the Heart
Help Build A Home For Only $500
Continued from pg 35