When One Part Suffers
- Evergreen Missions
- 12 hours ago
- 3 min read
Standing with Mindanao in a Time of Crisis
“If one member suffers, all suffer together.”
— 1 Corinthians 12:26
On June 8, 2026, at approximately 7:35 AM, a devastating magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Sarangani. It was the strongest earthquake to hit Mindanao since 1976, affecting multiple provinces and causing widespread destruction to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure.
According to the latest reports, 47 people have lost their lives, 688 have been injured, and 31 remain missing.
Behind these numbers are families, communities, and individuals whose lives were changed in a matter of seconds.
Many families are now displaced and living in temporary shelters or tents outside their damaged homes. For nearly two days, entire communities were left without water, electricity, and internet access, leaving many isolated, thirsty, and in the dark. The severity of the disaster has been evident through the photos and videos circulating online, showing collapsed structures, damaged roads, landslides, and communities struggling to recover.
For us at Evergreen Missions, this crisis is deeply personal.
Many of our missionaries, ministry partners, and close friends are based in and around General Santos City, South Cotabato, Sarangani Province, Cotabato Province, and the Davao Region. Several of our missional communities among the tribes have also been directly affected.
Photos from the aftermath of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in GenSan.
One example is Datal Salvan, home to our DMI Tboli Church and Evergreen Missions Tribal Community. The area experienced severe landslides triggered by the earthquake, forcing many families to evacuate their homes and seek safety at the local covered court.
Two of our tribal leaders were directly impacted. Authorities have advised them not to return to their homes because of the continuing risk of further landslides.
On June 10, our Philippine team responded by providing food assistance for the entire community, serving approximately 800 individuals for an evening meal. We are planning to return in the following weeks to help affected families begin rebuilding their homes and distribute additional relief supplies to meet their immediate needs.
Datal Salvan is only one of several communities that need assistance.
Present situation in Datal Salvan.
Current Needs
Support is urgently needed for:
Emergency relief and humanitarian operations
Food, clean water, medicine, and essential supplies
Temporary shelter for displaced families
Reconstruction and repair of damaged homes
Medical care and assistance for the injured
Support for families who have lost loved ones
Livelihood recovery programs for those whose sources of income have been disrupted
How You Can Pray
When one part of the Body of Christ suffers, we are called to stand together in prayer, compassion, and practical support.
Please join us in praying:
For families who have lost homes and sources of livelihood
For pastors, missionaries, and community leaders serving affected areas
For comfort, provision, healing, and hope for those impacted
For wisdom, protection, and favor as relief and recovery efforts continue
“Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2
How You Can Help
Following this earthquake, many families are facing the difficult task of rebuilding homes, restoring livelihoods, and recovering from unimaginable loss.
In the accompanying video, Caleb Byerly shares an update from the Philippines and invites you to partner with us in bringing hope and practical support to affected communities.
If you would like to support relief and recovery efforts in Mindanao, you may give through the link below:
Your generosity will help provide emergency assistance, relief supplies, rebuilding support, and ongoing care for affected families and missional communities.
There is still hope…
While the earthquake has shaken the ground beneath many families, it has not shaken the faithfulness of God.
Even in the midst of loss, we have witnessed neighbors helping neighbors, churches opening their doors, communities sharing what little they have, and believers standing together in love. The road to recovery will be long, but no one should have to walk it alone.
Thank you for praying. Thank you for caring. Thank you for standing with Mindanao during this difficult season.
Together, we can help carry burdens, restore hope, and remind hurting communities that they have not been forgotten.
Because when one part suffers, we respond as one Body.
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