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| Matt & Shiela (Garduque) Todd |
Most recently, you and your husband Matt, were involved in relief efforts after typhoon Odette hit the Philippines, what was that like?
We were asked by an organization we volunteer with to
help the local coordinator in Cebu City manage their relief efforts. Despite
the logistical challenge of shipping in the goods from Manila, we were able to
distribute over 500 relief goods to families affected by the typhoon. It is
heartbreaking to find out that after the typhoon, some 88 families lost their
homes to subsequent fires caused by unsafe use of candles. We were able to
provide food, water, and toys to the children. But most importantly we were
able to share the hope of the gospel. This
is what sets us apart from other private organizations and government agencies.
We couldn’t have done it without the help of the local churches that we partner
with on the ground and friends who donated and gave towards this endeavor.
How
long have you been involved in relief efforts? What motivates you to stay involved?
We have been involved in relief work as a couple since
2018, but individually close to 10 years each. Neither of us started out
intending to work in disaster relief and response but somehow God led us in this
direction and opened up doors for training and then working in the field. It is
a huge need here in the Philippines because we are ranked internationally as
the eighth most disaster-prone nation, at risk from typhoons, flooding,
earthquakes, volcanos, etc. Our personal efforts currently are focused more towards
disaster risk reduction and preparedness training, for churches and individuals
who want to prepare ahead of time, rather than just reacting to disasters. Even
though the government is becoming much more proactive in preparing and
educating people, we see the need for Christ-centered organizations to help
fill the gaps and reach areas overlooked by others.
The opportunity to share God’s love to others in a
tangible way is what keeps us in this work. We believe that no matter how huge
the devastation is and the hopelessness disasters bring, God can turn it around
for good and for His glory.
What
lessons have you learned?
Each response is always different and the needs are
not always what we are expecting. We have a saying: “Don’t get married to the
plan,” that reminds us to not be so attached to what we think or anticipate
will happen, but rather to be open to what the needs of the particular group we
are helping are. It’s good to think ahead and prepare for all the
possibilities, but at the end of the day we just have to surrender our ideas to
God and follow His voice. His plan involves so much more than just meeting the
immediate needs of shelter and food. We never want to miss out on the good that
God brings about despite the devastation and destruction caused by these
frequent disasters.
Another big lesson we have learned is to not be
overwhelmed with the magnitude of needs. Just focus on doing what we can with
what God gives us. The needs are endless when you do relief work and it takes
faith to step out trusting that God sees and God will provide for the needs of
His children.
Thus far in our efforts we haven’t branched from
response and relief into rescue yet, but we believe God is leading us in that
direction. Part of our goal in training churches and communities is that when a
disaster strikes somewhere we would be able to offer our help to the local
government leaders and assist them however they most need help. We have a small
fellowship group/Bible study with like-minded believers and we all train in
order to able to lend a helping hand when disaster strikes. If God opens the
door to help with rescues, we will gladly do our best to save lives, and more
importantly, souls.
How
has becoming involved in rescue/relief efforts changed your outlook on life? On
faith?
Seeing how disasters affect individuals, families and
communities made us realize that life is fragile. The time given to us here is
temporary and we are learning how to live it with urgency and
intentionality. When you see death and
devastation, it will make you reevaluate your priorities. Things that count for
eternity becomes the goal. All other things we need shall be added unto us as
we press on to obey God through serving and helping others.
Did
you want to talk a bit about your own faith journey? What have you learned
about faith in the last few years? Is there anything specific that comes to
mind?
We have learned that faith doesn’t just pertain to
salvation. Yes, that’s where it starts but it doesn’t stop there. Faith is a journey
and it is a way of life that we as Christians are called to. We are to live by
faith. We are to entrust our life to God’s care. As we embark on a journey to
serve communities affected by disasters, we put our trust in God to lead and
guide us. We trust that He will open the door, connect us to the right people,
equip us to train others, lead and guide us where to go and who to help, trust
that He will provide for our needs, keep us strong and healthy to carry out His
work. We trust that God will give us the words to deliver to the people, and
give us wisdom in every situation we find ourselves in. As we trust God with
all these, our faith will be fortified and His will shall be done in our lives.
Even though we are aware of all these disasters and
calamities, we should not approach the future with fear of what might happen to
us, but rather with confidence that God will give us what we need to make it
through whatever comes our way in a way that will glorify Him and shine our
light in an increasingly dark world. There is no way around trials but we know who
walks through them with us. Psalm 23 is such a good reminder of how God looks
over His children like a good shepherd.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes
me to lie down in green pastures: He leads me beside the still waters. He restores
my soul: He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yes,
though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:
for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff they comfort me. You prepare a
table before me in the presence of my enemies: You anoint my head with oil; my
cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my
life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Is
there anything else you’d like to mention?
We would like to partner in prayer with anyone who has
a burden for the Philippines or disaster relief/response. It has been such a
comfort to know that there are people across the world praying for us during
some of our most difficult times and we want to do the same for them and
others. We know that prayer is powerful and we want to be a part of the
ministries of others, even if we are separated by so many miles. Our newsletter
is another way to get a bit more in-depth look at what we have been doing, as
well as our plans for the immediate future (God willing). Also, we want to just
say thank you for this opportunity to share about what the Lord is doing in our
lives.
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