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Davao flood update - Joshua’s report - 7th July 2011

It’s only ‘bout 15 min that power has been restored, so at least we in the later part of picking up ourselves from sudden calamity. It happen in the wee hours when we are all in acceleration of a nice needed asleep, what wake us up in the second floor is the commotion downstairs and power block out, only to find that the water is already waistline and coming with a strong current. The boys in the ground floor were already in commotion, saving their things. Only to find out later there was one deaf boy who sleep soundly and was awaken by water coming up to the level of his bed. We have no chance to save the refrigerators, presser, stoves, electric fans, kitchen utensils, chairs, sofas, cabinets and tables all floating in all directions. Iron gates were opened by the strong current and our tables , chairs and things where carried 100 meters away to a concrete wall of our neighbors, that wall also later give way. The big damage was two cars submerge in water at window level. The water on the road is so strong that cars of our neighbor park there was carried to the big canal early in the morning.

It’s good that our building is until third floor, we have reserved option where to go and what to do if water continue to rise, the whole early morning was spent watching and waiting for water to rise and fall. Our neighbors went up to their roof, spend their early morning there. Thank you Lord for this DMI high building, we need not climb the roof, we still have floors to spare. We wanted to give our neighbors shelter but darkness and strong water current does not permit us to take the risk. We are still in better situation where houses were carried and as of this time of writing 23 plus dead and many still missing.

The next day was spent in cleaning inside out, but when evening comes it starts to become gloomy, as if a second flood is about to hit again, our fears has reached its worst when our neighbors vacated, and a good Samaritan relative offers us shelter for the night, including deaf students, teachers and staff reaching to almost 95. Rumors spread that our place is the catch basin of water rushing from mountain facing us, and that we should expect it from now on such a threat of flooding or even worst. I permit them( Jocelyn and some staff) to go and seek shelter for the night. So they sleep outside in a safer place. That night, Radio keeps on reporting that in the mountains keeps pouring heavy rain and so a possible second round of flooding is likely to occur. As I, decide to stay and keep watch there where few who decided to stay with me, we made ample preparation if second flooding will indeed happen, thanks to be awaken in the middle of the night rains stop, and everything is fine, including the weather.

Floods has its purpose, and one among many reasons just recently is to take away our focus from things on earth to God, earthly things are passing, Our minds have a vacation for good two days, a needed one before squarely facing again our financial issue.

The next day, still no classes as we finish the cleaning chores, and extend helping hands to our neighbors. we are comforted that none of our deaf is a is a victim nor one sustain any hurts, its only variety things that were damage. Floods messes and mixed up all our earthly things. Praise the Lord!!!

God bless,

Joshua

Cagayan De Oro

DMI is now the proud owner of a Rubber plantation near the city of
Cagayan De Oro in northern Mindanao. 1800 rubber trees have been
panted on the 3.7 hectare property with another 500 still to be planted.

With the purpose of trying to make the work in the Philippines and other parts of the world where DMI is working more sustainable, we have invested in some businesses which we hope will bring this to pass. Not only are we trusting that income from these projects will bring this to pass but, will also see deaf people receiving employment, thus meeting two aims.

We currently have 5 people employed caring for the trees which will begin production in the near future. Until the trees reach production age they have been interplanted with bananas, sweet potatoes and tomatoes which will also provide income until the rubber starts flowing.

A vehicle is needed to transport workers and equipment from Cagayan de Oro each day. Currently we are using a borrowed vehicle which is not really suitable for the trip to the plantation.

A new church has also been planted in Cagayan de Oro along with a small dormitory where some of the plantation workers are staying together with some High School deaf students. Two were baptized in the river recently.

Samar

Samar is one of the Philippine’s 5000 odd islands and the home to countless deaf people. It is one of the least developed parts of the Philippines, situated in the typhon belt and subject to the elements. DMI commenced a ministry to deaf young people in the town of Bongonan in Eastern Samar. The work was started, and is lead, by Rodel Manila, a deaf young man from Batangas.

Rodel Manila is a deaf young man with much drive and vision. He found a house to rent then went out to find needy deaf people who could not attend school because of lack of accommodation. Ignorance and poverty prevail hindering the development of deaf people. There is little motivation for parents to see that their deaf children are educated, most thinking that deaf people cannot achieve any thing. Poverty prevents many from attending school. Rodel is making a difference.

We have room for 20 deaf young people. A church has been started and it is all including the dorm, is run by deaf people themselves. What a fantastic testimony.

We need sponsors for the kids in the dorm. $35 a month. We need $500 to develop a piggery to provide some income for the dorm. We need mosquito nets, bedding, toiletries , books, medicines. Can you help?