Typhoon Odette (Rai), which struck the Philippine Islands on December 16, 2021, was one of the strongest storms to hit the country in recent years. It left a trail of damage and destruction to most of Central Visayas. Cebu is one of the most densely populated islands in the region and sustained much damage which endangered the lives of thousands in its aftermath.
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The mountain barangay of Busay, Cebu City was one of the most severely affected on the Island of Cebu. Most of the infrastructure from power lines to water and telecommunications structures sustained long-term damage.
Latter-Day Saint Charities (LDSC) sought the assistance of local church leaders in determining the needs of families in the mountain area. This was no easy feat as the damage sustained had affected the passability of the roads going up to the mountain barangay. President Randy Adolfo of the Busay Branch (congregation) led church members to both seek those who were in immediate need of food and water and assist in the distribution of food packs.
Elder and Sister Huskinson of LDS Charities shared “We have never been a part of a project this big.”
Members of the Cebu City Stake (diocese), who themselves were in the middle of picking up the pieces of their own lives left by the typhoon’s aftermath volunteered to pack and distribute the food items.
Sister Huskinson further observed; “Everyone here is not just willing to help, but are having so much fun doing it."
In a time when people should be hastily preparing to enjoy the holidays, The members and missionaries of Cebu City Stake were given a rare opportunity to serve those who need help the most during the hardest of times.
Speaking of the volunteers, Sister Huskinson shared, "A lot of these people are willing to help, some of them, their roof is gone or somebody in their family has had a problem, yet they are willing to come down and serve. It’s really nice to see that.”
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints holds the annual Light The World initiative in an effort to encourage everyone, regardless of their faith, to be a light in their families and communities by performing deeds of service and love.