Recently, flooding brought on by two typhoons caused serious want among God's faithful in the Philippines. Although the disaster this year was much smaller in scope than a similar event several years ago, those. within the affected area were hurt as much as earlier. An appeal was made for financial help for these brethren.

You responded generously. The Scriptural injunction of 2 Cor. 8:14, "but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want; that there may be an equality:" is satisfied. More than $5000.00 has been sent to relieve the privation. There is probably more I do not know about. Excepting for isolated situations, the need is pretty well taken care of. One item still lacking is clothing, but with the import tax imposed by the Philippine Government, it is next to impossible to send this. I have written, seeking a method by which it may be done legally, without the receiving brethren being charged this tax. I am not hopeful for a solution, however. If it does exist, I will advise you through these pages.

Incidentally, not one cent was controlled by any organization or individual. All went directly to the need. This proves again, God's method of assisting needy Christians is far superior to the schemes of our institutionally-minded brethren. And not so incidentally, God's method has another advantage: it has His approval . . . something their's lacks. See 2 Jn. 9 and Mat. 7:21-23.

You are to be commended for your openhanded and rapid response to the needs of our brethren in the Philippines. God will surely bless you for this.

Truth Magazine XIX: 8, p. 124
January 2, 1975