FILIPINO CHRISTIAN GROUPS IN BRUNEI DONATE TO VICTIMS OF EARTHQUAKES IN INDONESIA

27 September 2007—The Philippine Embassy in Brunei reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that eight (8) Filipino Christian groups which gathered during the “Prayer for the Nation” affair held at the “Ang Bahay” on 21 September 2007, made contributions in the amount of B$1,210.00 (Php 36,300.00 equivalent) for the victims of earthquakes that hit Sumatra and Bengkulu, in Indonesia, on 12 September 2007. The eight groups were: Ang Bahay Christian Family Fellowship, Filipino Full Gospel Brunei, Mile 12 Christian Fellowship-Brunei, Upper Room International Ministry Brunei, Bread of Life- Brunei, Christ Fellowship Center-Brunei, Metropolitan Bible Baptist Church, and Christ the Living Stone-Brunei. The groups requested Philippine Ambassador Virginia Benavidez to present their donation to H.E. Herijanto Soeprapto, Indonesian Ambassador accredited to Brunei . The Indonesian Ambassador was touched by the outpouring of concern and generosity from the members of the Filipino Christian groups in Brunei , as the contributions will go a long way in alleviating the sufferings of the victims of the earthquakes.

Ambassador Benavidez said that Filipinos are united with the Indonesians in praying for their country’s safety and recovery from natural disasters. The Filipino Christian groups bonded together in the spirit of caring and sharing due to the close friendship, support, and cooperation with our Indonesian brothers.

Likewise, in 2006, the golfers who participated in the first Philippine Independence Day Cup gave contributions to help victims of the devastating earthquake in Yogyakarta , Indonesia . In the same fashion, Ms. Benavidez presented the contributions to the Indonesian Ambassador who was invited to join the golf tournament and receive the donations at that time. END.