The Seventh-day Adventist Church sympathizes with those affected by the devastating earthquake in Haiti and those with other countries affected by other calamities. The Adventist world church leadership immediately provided financial assistance for the immediate relief operation in Haiti besides the immediate response of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA). The Adventist Church in the southern Asia-Pacific region (SSD) also took steps to contribute to the funds for the said cause.

Reports received from Pastor Alberto C Gulfan, SSD president who is in the US attending the Church’s Administrative Council, indicated that the world church through ADRA International was responding to this call.

Pastor Gulfan also indicated that “as far as the church is concerned, so far, only the two big churches in Port au Prince, the capital of Haiti, have been reportedly flattened. Praise God, the school beside one of these churches was already empty when the earthquake took place so all the students were safe.” Referring to the two Filipino missionaries in Haiti (Dr & Mrs Nemuel Tambalque and Mr & Mrs Lemuel Mantua), he said that “they are safe” but have to leave Haiti to find temporary stay in the United States. This news report was substantiated by the emails of Dr Tambalque sent to the SSD that they were to hike three hours out of their place of work to take their flight to the United States. A letter received from Dr Tambalque, as of press time, said that the family (presumably both families) has finally reached California, USA, and will soon find their way to the Philippines for their annual leave.

“Our hearts and prayers go with those who were affected in this 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Haiti. Indeed, the events show how near we are at world’s edge to the end of time,” say church leaders at SSD. [AND Staff]