Christianity: My Journey & Thoughts

Relief Effort for Philippines (Typhoon Odette/Rai): Critter Hunter (please share)

Critter Hunter (Justin Carmack) is a YouTuber I started following several months ago. He’s a professional scuba diver and typically can be found around the world finding different marine life species to capture on camera.

He lives in the Philippines with his wife and is currently covering the aftermath of Typhoon Odette (the local name for the typhoon; others are calling it Typhoon Rai). From the video I linked below, he commented that European and American media are not covering this natural disaster and the Filipinos are suffering as a result from a lack of help and donations. From a quick search, I can see there is some coverage, but it appears limited and possibly delayed. I personally read the news fairly often, and I had not seen this come across my radar. Justin also may not be seeing any media/assistance to the areas where he’s currently assisting, which is obviously a problem. If we’re not aware, we can’t help.

I made a donation earlier this morning to Justin’s PayPal account to help in the relief efforts. From the video below, you can see they are organizing rice and water donations, and helping to rebuild a community center, among other initiatives. He says in the video below he’s drained his own bank account to help the villagers around him. He’s been chronicling their efforts the past week to help spread awareness.

If you can, please consider making a donation to Justin’s PayPal account located here. Prayers I’m sure are also appreciated and as I remind people, always free. You can also share this blog, or Justin’s YouTube channel, as well. I don’t know Justin personally, but from his videos documenting this tragedy, you can clearly see his heart.

If you have any questions or concerns, Justin’s e-mail address is on his YouTube page if you would like to contact him. He comments in the video below that is he replying to people as he can. Thank you and please keep Justin, his family and community in your prayers. Amen.

Christianity: My Journey & Thoughts

Something to Consider: Sponsor a Child (Compassion)

Every year around this time, I post a little blog asking people to consider sponsoring a child through Compassion International. The saint and I have sponsored many children throughout the years and consider it part of our tithing. A few details are below. If you can’t support this ministry now, consider praying for these children and their families instead. Prayers are always free, needed and welcomed. Together in the Body of Christ, we can be the hands and feet of God. We can let these kids know that they matter and are loved.

For $38/month, you will be linked with a child (either you choose through Compassion’s website, or you can let them choose a child for you). You’ll exchange letters throughout their duration in the program, getting to know your child as they grow. There are options to send gifts as well, like birthday or Christmas gifts. Compassion approaches child welfare holistically–you’ll receive information on what local church program your child is a part of, and updates through their letters, or their local pastor’s letters.

The saint and I highly enjoy reading and writer letters to our kids. They come from all over the world, and all have their own dreams, personalities, abilities and stories to share. We feel very blessed and honored to share God’s love with these children and their families.

Thank you and God bless.