Dearest brothers and sisters in the Lord’s vineyard.

By now, you would have heard about the earthquake which shook the north-western part of Luzon last July 27, 2022 with epicenter at Tayum, Abra that caused landslides and left damaged houses and infrastructure in its wake, as far as our town, Besao, Mt. Province. We are saddened to inform you that our cherished stone church building which survived the WWII has incurred several damages.

Upon the assessment of the Besao Municipal Engineering Office and partners corroborated by our diocesan engineers, the church building was subsequently declared unsafe for worship services. Suggestions and recommendations were gathered during consultations with some engineers. Initial repair has commenced with the mounting of scaffoldings to support a critically damaged column and the belfry, and to provide better access to other damaged walls and arches. We stand by their recommendation of restoring the structural strength of the building and yet preserving its original aesthetic design. Inasmuch as this involves major repair, we thought it wise to include replacement of the ageing roof.

This house of worship is not simply a historic landmark but has become a spiritual home for everyone whose lives were nourished by the word of God and the administered sacraments. One thing is sure, our close sentimental attachment is calling us to, by all means, restore and preserve our house of worship. In this connection, we are appealing to everyone’s generosity for the most needed support.

Together we can help restore the St. Benedict church building back to a safe house of worship.

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In view of the above information, we, the Golinsan Turtles, have come up together for a challenge to raise funds in support for the repairs of our treasured church devastated by said earthquake. Your contribution means so much and it will truly inspire and motivate us to push ourselves harder in our trainings and in our respective events.

* Dukaw Cadiogan running/cycling the London Duathlon on 04 Sept 2022, running the London Marathon on 02 October 2022 and the Chicago Marathon on 09 October 2022;

* Byrne Bacwaden running the Hallucination 100 kms in Michigan, USA on 09-10 September 2022, and the Indiana Trail 100 miles on 08-09 October 2022;

* Greg Annawi cycling the DV 100 Race in Drayton Valley, Alberta, Canada on 10 September 2022;

* Joan Aplod running the Beachy Head Ultra marathon on 22 October 2022 in Eastbourne, Southeast England.

Please help us with this appeal of securing funds. Thank you so much in advance! We will keep everyone updated!

Note: All costs for our efforts and travels are self funded and are being met separately. All donations will be sent directly to Saint Benedict Church Council.

Iyaman and God bless your generosity!