Prayer Request for Central Philippines earthquake victims – 6 February 2012

The 6.8-magnitude quake hit a narrow strait between the heavily populated islands of Negros and Cebu around lunchtime Monday with more than 200 aftershocks, some nearly as strong, causing further panic throughout the day.

Local military chiefs said 43 people were confirmed killed, but officials warned the death toll may rise. Dozens of others are feared injured or missing with landslides having blocked roads for rescuers in mountainous areas.

“We are using our hands and shovels to search in the rubble,” Guihulngan police chief Senior Inspector Alvin Futalan told AFP.

 It is a terrible thing not to be able to have the best equipment to look for loved ones buried in the rubble of homes, schools, offices, shops etc.

Let us pray for the victims’ families who have lost loved ones and those who still are missing loved ones whose lives are in danger, for rescuers for wisdom how best to facilitate the rescue effort, for administrators who are making decisions that affect all the earthquake victims.

I understand many Filipinos are turning to their gods who are idols made of wood and stone. May this be a time when they turn to the Living God and that God in His mercy and grace will draw many to Himself through love shed abroad by His children. Let us pray that God’s children will respond in this time of need for the Filipinos.