TACLOBAN, Philippines – Last year’s devastating typhoon in the Philippines killed more than 7,000 people and hundreds are still missing.
In a storm-ravaged coastal town, one family’s heartbreaking loss became an inspiration to many.
Their lost children
She sat at the table and counted on a piece of paper the family members who died or disappeared during Typhoon Haiyan.
“Ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen… Thirteen of them are dead, but many are missing,” Dolor Lingo said as she cried. “At first it was very painful, but slowly I began to accept what happened as the will of God.”
Among those who died that day were three of her children who drowned when their home was engulfed in tsunami-like waves.
“The only child that survived is here,” she said, showing a picture of her only remaining child.
Last Saturday, on the one-year anniversary, Dolor, her husband and 13-year-old son visited the makeshift grave where her children and six other relatives are.
“I can imagine them being happy in the presence of God,” Dolor said.
In New Hope
A year later, the Lingos have almost rebuilt their home, and Dolor is busy with children’s ministry.
“We have a child nutrition program and an at-risk youth service,” Dolor said.
Her husband Dante leads a small church in the neighborhood called New Hope Evangelical.
“Although what happened to us is so painful, I know that in everything God has a purpose for our lives,” he said.
And 13-year-old Dante Jr. he plays drums in the church band.
“Playing the drums lifts my spirits. Even though I lost my brothers and sister, I want to keep playing,” he said.
The Lingos firmly believe that God is using the tragic deaths of their three children to show people in their neighborhood Jesus Christ.
“Most of our neighbors were non-believers, but since the death of our children and the example that we tried to be in the community, many have now become Christians and attend our church,” said Dolor.
Keeping faith in God
The Lingos say they have a special burden for the youth in their neighborhood.
“A lot of little kids were sniffing the glue and some of them were planting. We started reaching out and inviting them to church. At first they didn’t want to come, but that slowly changed,” Dante said.
Lingo’s testimony reverberated throughout the community
“Before the typhoon, all the young people you see sitting in the front row were unbelievers. But after the typhoon, the pastor encouraged us to serve God and trust him. We did it. Now we are telling others about Christ,” said new believer Rashbert Pedrero.
“After the storm, I thought there was nothing left in life, everything was destroyed. But then the pastor helped me realize that material things are not important. I am happy to be here and serve God,” said another new believer Duke Villanlino.
Dante Jr. he said he has tried to reach out to other kids but is having a hard time because he still misses playing with his siblings.
He said he studies hard and dreams of being a sailor one day. But for now, his heart is right here behind the drums.
“I know that God has a purpose for me because he spared my life,” Dante. said Jr.
It’s a theme that runs through this rare family – devastated by unspeakable loss, yet determined to turn tragedy to the glory and honor of God.
“No matter what storms may come, misfortunes or tragedies, we must do everything in our power to get back on our feet and keep our faith in God,” Dolor said. “God is always there no matter what happens.
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