Fellow PiperTalkers,

The following email arrived yesterday from a friend of many years, pastor
Leo Galanza. I was first introduced to pastor Galanza through our own Piper
Talk discussion list. Later we met Leo in person on several occasions here
in the US through different conference venues including the 2007 pastor's
conference by Desiring God. To keep it short Leo is one of us so if there is
any way you or your church can be of help to Leo please contact him. He's a
delightful brother and fellow servant in Christ! - Moe Bergeron

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Dear Brethren,

Greetings in Christ!

Psalm 46 has been a great comfort to us here in the Philippines. Last
Saturday, September 26 a killer typhoon hit the country. It was not so much
of strong winds but heavy rains. It was as if a month’s rain fell in just 6
to 9 hrs. The water inside the church parsonage was 6 feet high and we were
able to open the chapel two days later when the water subsided. It was the
worst since 4 decades ago. On top of everything we believe God was in full
control. Sept. 27-Sunday was scheduled to be our 22nd Church Anniversary
but the Lord has another plan for us to ponder upon. His faithfulness
throughout the years both in good and in bad times was made even more
meaningful this time.

A number of places in Metro Manila and beyond suffered tremendous damages.
Most of our church people were greatly affected, they’ve lost much as far as
their basic properties.

Our chapel parsonage in Marikina City was a total mess. We lost our Tagalog
hymnals, our church library, all Sunday School printed materials (arts &
crafts supplies), church furnitures, a small collection of our Choir
pieces, A CHOICE COLLECTION OF MY PERSONAL LIBRARY BOTH IN BIBLICAL AND
THEOLOGICAL STUDIES, and our basic home appliances & personal belongings.

Yet in all these things our faith was not lost in the flood and we remain
trusting in the Lord.

We ask for your fervent prayers as we face this challenge. Pray that the
Lord will be with us during this transition from chaos to a true victorious
Christian life. Pray that our brethren will be able to accept diverse
losses and find Christ’s satisfying purpose in life. Truly Christ is far
better to possess than anything in this world. Pray that this will also be
a way of sharing the Gospel to those who are still flooded by the world’s
sin and darkness.

If you desire to be of help and minister to us in any way, we would
appreciate it very much.

In His Mercy,
Pastor Leo Galanza
lgalanza AT gmail.com


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