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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New Leader in St. Vincent and the Grenadines

The District Superintendent of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Christopher King, retired on February 28, 2026, after overseeing the work in that region for forty-one years. His retirement was announced at the Portland headquarters on March 8. Though Rev. King, who is eighty-eight years old and in poor health, could not be present, Superintendent General Sola Adesope honored him with a heartfelt expression of appreciation. He stated, “Brother King provided faithful service, wisdom, and steady leadership. His dedication, humility, and love for God’s people will continue to benefit our global work.”

Rev. Adesope also introduced the new district superintendent for the island, Martin Laborde, who has been the pastor at Lowmans Hill for many years. He had testified earlier in the week, telling how He came to know the Lord. He said that when he was ten years old, his mother prayed and was saved. She began attending our church at Paul Over, and he followed in her footsteps. Then, on July 25, 1973, when he was fifteen years old, he came under conviction while attending a church service. He said, “I went to the altar, and God saved me. I knew it was real, because I felt the burden of sin lifted off my shoulders.”

Following the announcement, Rev. Adesope requested prayer for both Rev. King and Rev. Laborde, that God would bless in retirement and leadership as they continue in the same old path of faith.

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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, “Hurricane 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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