When Disaster Strikes: How Bold Faith and Generosity Reveal God's Provision
When was the last time you prayed boldly for God to move in miraculous ways, trusting Him to show up in the face of disaster or uncertainty?
Faith isn’t just about believing — it’s about putting our beliefs into action. When we step out in faith, especially in difficult circumstances, we reflect God’s love to those around us and are able to see the ways in which God is moving powerfully in and through our situations. This is especially true when we are rooted in His Word and surrounded by a supportive church community that inspires us to live generously and act boldly.
A Devastating Flood and a Cry for Help
Dec. 23, 2017 was a normal day for Joel and Cindy. They lived in a city in the Philippines but didn’t recognize that up in the mountains torrential rain was falling. Three days later, they rode motorcycles up the highway to host their annual Christmas party for local Bible translators. Over dinner, someone asked if they had heard about the flood.
Several days earlier, at 9 a.m., heavy rains triggered a massive flood that swept through six villages, carrying nearly everything with it down the mountains and out to sea. Because the flood happened in daylight, people escaped to higher ground and survived. But the flood destroyed all their homes and belongings, leaving 450 families in mourning. Joel noted, “Their screaming, wailing and calling out to God … sounded like how we image David cried out … in Psalm 69”:
“Save me, O God, for the floodwaters are up to my neck. … I am exhausted from crying for help; my throat is parched. My eyes are swollen with weeping, waiting for my God to help me” (Psalm 69:1, 3, NLT).
When the people asked for help, Joel and Cindy replied, “We’ll pray, and we’ll try.”
The couple shared the situation with their missionary community in their city in the Philippines, as well as their family members, prayer and financial partners overseas in the United States. People began to donate, and as money came in, Joel and Cindy purchased essentials for the affected families like rice pots, serving spoons, blankets, sleeping mats, plates and cups. Other agencies were also providing food for those impacted by the flood. God moved in extraordinary ways through the collective body of Christ!
Even though the needs were still great, God was at work: He brought Joel and Cindy in contact with a local church that gave 50% to missions work! Later, a church member who owned a hardware store donated $6,000 worth of metal roofing. That same church contributed another $4,000 for more roofing. Instead of being overwhelmed by the needs, the couple was overwhelmed with God’s provision! Joel shared:
Through the generosity of local churches in the Philippines as well as churches overseas, God met the significant needs of these families. In the midst of our most difficult moments, we can turn to God and His Word for comfort:
“The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged. For the LORD hears the cries of the needy …” (Psalm 69:32-33a, NLT).
But millions of people today are still waiting to encounter Scripture in their own language. What if you could be part of bringing the hope, power and light of God’s Word to people when they need it most?
Faith in Action: How Generosity Reflects God’s Love
When we live generously and walk by faith, we reflect God’s faithfulness. He works through us to share His love and provide for others — not just physically but spiritually too.
By partnering with the ministry of a Wycliffe missionary or family, you’re supporting Bible translation efforts and furthering the Great Commission, helping to bring God’s Word to those still waiting for it in their language. You can boldly step into God’s mission today!
Why the Church Is Essential in Times of Crisis
God often works through community to accomplish His purposes. When we give, serve and support one another, we embody the love of Christ in profound ways. Just as the local church and the broader body of Christ partnered to bring relief to flood survivors in the Philippines, your church can make a lasting impact — not only in your local community but on a global scale as well.
When you partner with the ministry of a Wycliffe missionary or family, you’re becoming an advocate within your church for Bible translation. The same Scriptures that inspire and sustain your faith can bring hope and renewal to those who are still waiting for the Good News in a language they understand.
Take a moment to reflect on how you’ve seen God provide in your life. Thank Him for His faithfulness, and ask Him how you can be part of His provision for others.
Let’s live generously, pray boldly and watch God work through us to make His name known among the nations.
This story originally appeared in “A Journey with the Word,” a devotional book published in 2019 by Wycliffe Bible Translators USA. Joel serves with SIL Philippines, our primary partner.
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