URGENT PRAYER REQUEST: PLEASE PRAY FOR THE PHILIPPINES

As of yesterday, Metro Manila has been declared in a state of calamity. A couple of nights ago, it was raining hard. But this rain was different. It had started early evening and didn't cease until the next afternoon. What you are about to see is the aftermath of typhoon "Ondoy":

I've lived in Metro Manila for half of my life, and it has NEVER EVER flooded this bad. Houses have been lost, people are stranded on rooftops, lives have been taken away and etc. Those are the only pictures I can handle posting because, quite frankly, it makes me cry. It makes me cry very hard. Its heartbreaking. My heart and prayers go out to all those who are suffering and are in need of relief. But at the same time, I would like to thank God for keeping me and my boys safe. The flood waters only reached the outside of my garage gate. Not a single drop touched my property. It was like there was an invisible wall holding back the water because my neighbors houses got flooded. All the heartache I've been experience the last few months is nothing when compared to this. Let us pray for all the victims of typhoon "ondoy". If you would like to send donations. please leave a comment and i will get right back to you. Thank you.

Update: it has been reported that two tropical storms are headed our way. Please everybody, please pray for the Philippines. I am genuinely terrified. I know that the Lord never gives more than we can handle, but please.. we need your prayers!

Lord, have mercy. Have mercy on the homeless. Have mercy on the people who, for nearly 48 hours, are still trapped in their cars with no food and water. Lord, please take care of the friends and family that I haven't been able to get in touch with. Lord, I know that in times like these, it pays to have unwavering faith in You. But Lord, Im scared. Lord, have mercy on us all please. Please Lord. Please. Amen.

Welcome Home, Alexis and Nika.

ALEXIS TIOSECO (1981 - 2009) & NIKA BOHINC (1979 - 2009)

"In all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).

Devastating situations come into our lives for a reason, most of the time we will never understand why. Yesterday morning, I recieved word that a former teacher and his girlfriend were shot dead in their own home. Understand that we were never close, but the brutality of the killings was enough to drive me to tears (you may read about it here). It's hard to accept that truly horrible things happen to good people, but as sad as I am over such senseless loss of life, I take comfort in the thought that they are in a much much better place. Maybe it is true that once you have served your purpose on earth, God calls you to join Him, regardless of your age and the manner in which you go.

Despite the disgusting display of evil, it's hard to ignore the goodness and love that pours out of this situation. The media attention, support from friends, family and the general public are overwhelming. It is obvious that these two individuals, despite their young age, have made quite an impact in society and in the lives of countless people. As for Alexis, his legacy as a film teacher and lover of our country's own film works will live through his students. His legacy will never die. We won't allow it.
Dear reader, may I ask that you pray for their souls, for their families and that justice be served!