Protection During Two Typhoons in the Philippines

Typhoon Kalmaegi struck the Philippine islands on November 2, 2025, and just days later, Super Typhoon Fung-Wong struck it again with forces equivalent to a category 4 hurricane.[1] Together, the storms affected sixteen of the eighteen regions in the country, causing widespread destruction to houses, infrastructure, and crops through high winds, flooding, and landslides. However, God protected our people and buildings on the islands. There was only minor damage to the headquarters church in Bagong Sikat, and in Sinimbaan, the old sanctuary lost its roof. God’s hand of protection was over all.

In February of this year, Director of East Asia Work Bill McKibben travelled to the Philippines for the first time since the storms. Along with Philippines District Superintendent Fernan Fiegalan and others, they attended multiple services at the headquarters church and enjoyed an afternoon meal and fellowship with the saints at the Sinimbaan branch. Rev. McKibben reported, “God miraculously spared our churches during the hurricane.”

Jamaica Recovers from Hurricane Melissa

On October 28, 2025, Hurricane Melissa made landfall on the island of Jamaica, causing major damage throughout the small country as it remained at a category 5 level for about thirty-six hours. With sustained winds of 185 miles per hour, it was the strongest hurricane ever recorded to make landfall on this island nation.[2]

Since the storm, much of the nation’s infrastructure has now been restored, and great progress has been made toward repairing the many damaged buildings and personal residences. However, travel is still challenging on rural roadways and the fallout still visible in lowland regions.

Ed Habre, Director of Jamaica Work, visited our churches in Jamaica in February of 2026, led by Jamaica District Superintendent Rohan Clough. They reported that of our churches in Jamaica, the Troy branch suffered the most damage, losing nearly all of its roof. Thankfully, the roof has now been rebuilt using donated funds for materials and volunteer labor from among our churches in the surrounding area. Rev. Habre commented that the repairs look great and the workers showed beautiful craftsmanship. The Pastor of the Troy church, Andrea Miller, said the congregation is grateful for the generosity of the saints in the United States in helping them to rebuild.

The Mantle of Leadership Passes in the Ivory Coast

On January 18, 2026, an installation service was held for Konan Konan Joseph as Country Leader of Ivory Coast. The role had been filled since 2010 by Kintin Georges, who had served God faithfully in the Ivory Coast until his passing on December 15, 2025.

Prior to the installation, the Ivory Coast Board met and unanimously recommended Rev. Joseph for the leadership position. This was the same man whose name God had laid on the hearts of the WECA board members and Missions leaders. In addition, he had the approval of the Portland headquarters board members, and when his name was announced to Ivory Coast ministers and workers at a meeting on January 17, they also showed their support in unison.

Isaac Adigun, District Superintendent for West and Central Africa (WECA), officiated the installation, which was held at the first branch church where Rev. Georges had pastored: Port Bouet, Abidjan. Rev. Adigun presented Rev. Joseph to the congregation, stating that he met the Biblical criteria for leadership and had served the church in various capacities. His wife and their six children were also introduced, and the congregation was invited to show their support by standing. All of the nearly five hundred people in attendance stood in support.

Rev. Joseph was then prayed over with the laying on of hands by the ministers on the platform, including the Ivory Coast Board Members and Okpo Johnson of the WECA Missions Department. They petitioned God for blessings on his life, family, and ministry. When given an opportunity to address the congregation, Rev. Joseph thanked God for the privilege to serve in this capacity and asked for prayer that he would fulfill his assignment. He also expressed the importance of upholding the standard of the Gospel and continuing the Great Commission.

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[1] Jesse Ferrell and Jason Nicholls, “Typhoon Uwan strikes flood-weary Philippines equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane,” AccuWeather, November 4, 2025, accuweather.com, accessed February 24, 2026.

[2] Rob Shackelford and Jonathan Erdman, “Huurrican Melissa Recap: Catastrophic Jamaica Category 5 Landfall; Damage from Hispaniola to Cuba, Bahamas,” The Weather Channel, November 1, 2025, www.weather.com, accessed February 24, 2026.

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