October 2

HCM is responding to the recent tsunami disaster in the Samoan Islands and the aftermath of Cyclone Ketsana in the Philippines by sending disaster response teams to each location. A team of four is going to Manila, the capital of the Philippines, to assist national doctors in medical needs and to assess future needs of the affected communities.  Included in this team are HCM’s director, Dr. Deborah M. Highfill and International Ministries director Dr. JoAnn Butrin.  HCM already has a team in country, wrapping up a medical evangelism clinic.  Four people from that team will stay to join the disaster response team coming early next week.

HCM is also sending Rick Salvato, PA, to the Samoan Islands to respond to the tsunami disaster there as well.  Salvato will be working with doctors from Fiji to provide medical care and assess the situation, along with assisting the national church and missionaries.

As preparations are being made before sending them out, HCM’s Field Ministries leader, Karen Herrera, asks for prayer support for both of these disaster response teams.

“Ongoing weather conditions are making relief challenging,” Herrera said.  She said that assistance through finances, supplies and medicines will also be accepted.