October 17, 2013

To:       All BLD Members
All BLD Global Districts

Thru:    DCS/ IDCS/ DSL/ SDC

Subject:   Appeal for Help to the the Earthquake Victims – Bohol and Surrounding Provinces

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
By now, you must have read or heard of the devastation wrought by the 7.2 Intensity earthquake in Bohol, and affecting Cebu and nearby provinces.  Damages to properties and infrastructures (mainly roads and bridges) are widespread. Several century-old heritage churches in Bohol practically crumbled to the ground. Many towns that have been severely destroyed are now inaccessible.  Many lost their homes, sustained injuries and many deaths have been reported and the number is still rising based on reports from the inner towns.

We are deeply saddened by this and our hearts reach out to all victims of this unexpected but very sad catastrophe.  It is in this regard that we are re-echoing the desire of our Community Spiritual Director, Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, to help the Diocese of Tagbilaran and other areas.  We understand that the Philippine government has been assisting the heavily devastated province. However, as a community, we would also want to do our share to help lighten the burden of our brethren in Bohol.  We also have a BLD DIP in Tagbilaran, Bohol.

Thus, we call upon our Brothers and Sisters who are in a position to help to do your utmost to please come to the assistance of the people of Bohol. As has been our practice, whatever assistance we can generate – either in cash or in kind – will be coursed through the Diocese of Tagbilaran. The road to decent recovery will surely be difficult and long.  If you are led to help, please give your contributions to your respective Management Stewards who are requested to immediately pool the donations and remit to either of the following accounts:  (Second collections in your Corporate Worships and Masses will help).

Bukas Loob sa Diyos Foundation, Inc.
Peso Account: 0321-0214-41
Bank of the Philippine Islands
Legaspi-Amorsolo Branch, Makati, Philippines
Swift Code: BOPIPHMM

Please notify us of your donations by email to: bldcsl@bldworld.org , attention: Alfred Kudemus

As our help comes from the Lord, may we continue to extend compassion to those who are in need and carry them through their difficulties and distress.  “He who is generous will be blessed, for he gives some of his food to the poor.” (Prov 22:9)

Thank you for helping.  God bless.

For the Executive Council of Servant Leaders,

Ed and Malou Malay
Presiding Servant Leaders