Christian agencies work together to offer relief in the Philippines.

Philippines (MNN)–The BASECO Compound in Tondo, Manila was razed in mid January by a huge arson fire that left 25,000 residents homeless and without resources.

BASECO (Bataan Shipyard and Engineering Company) Compound is a shantytown housing some 4,500 families located near the Port Area in Manila.

Firefighters had a hard time getting their trucks near the fire site because of the obstruction-laden and narrow streets. This is the second time in three years that this compound has been hit by this kind of disaster.

Although the fire was in January, 25-thousand residents were burned out. Many of those people remain homeless today, prompting a partnership response from the Far East Broadcasting Company.

FEBC’s Gregg Harris says, “The long term plan is to work together with World Vision who wants to get these families back into housing. Far East Broadcasting is providing some clothing and help, as well as what we call ‘portable missionaries’, which are radios that they can listen to the local broadcast from FEBC and receive spiritual hope and encouragement.”

Harris says in this area’s loss, they’re supporting the Beautiful Temple, the only local Christian church. After the fire, only the church’s foundations were left. The monoblock chairs, musical instruments, and overhead projector all went up in smoke.

Through FEBC’s relief and development arm, they bought seven monoblock chairs for the church. “We are also looking to develop funding to help the only local church in the area. This church was basically burned down to its foundations and FEBC has helped them purchase equipment and also a tent that they can meet in.” More importantly, on the day of the relief distribution, 30 residents came to know Christ.

Pray that the PM radios will be used to effectively communicate the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ. Pray too, that the Lord will provide the needed funds to shoulder the cost of PM radios so they can be provided for free.