JIL Saipan distributes water, bread to Sinlaku survivors

The Jesus Is Lord Church Saipan and the Jesus Is Lord West USA iCare Project distributed hundreds of relief items to families recovering from the effects of Super Typhoon Sinlaku during a drive-in outreach held last May 9 at the CPA Airport Field.

According to JIL Saipan coordinator Donna Liwag Rivera, the outreach aimed not only to provide physical assistance but also emotional and spiritual encouragement to residents still struggling in the aftermath of the storm.

“The drive-in distribution was a community outreach and relief effort intended to help families who are still recovering from the effects of Super Typhoon Sinlaku,” Rivera said. “Beyond providing physical assistance, we also wanted to encourage people, and remind the community that they are not alone during this difficult season.”

Rivera said volunteers distributed 500 cases of drinking water and 500 loaves of bread during the event.

“Church volunteers also shared messages of encouragement, and hope throughout the event,” she added.

The outreach was spearheaded by the Jesus Is Lord West USA iCare Project in partnership with JIL Saipan, with support from church volunteers and donors.

Rivera said the distribution began in the morning and continued until all supplies were handed out, with volunteers arriving early for preparations, prayer, and worship.

“Hundreds of individuals and families from the community were served through the distribution,” she said. “With 500 cases of water and 500 loaves of bread distributed, many households benefited from the outreach.”

Rivera said the event proceeded smoothly with the help of volunteers and law enforcement personnel.

“By God’s grace, the event went very smoothly,” she said. “We are thankful for the cooperation of the volunteers, the support of the Department of Public Safety officers who assisted with traffic and safety, and the patience and kindness of the community members who participated.”

She added that the atmosphere throughout the outreach remained “peaceful, organized, and encouraging.”

Rivera also thanked volunteers, donors, and survivors affected by the typhoon.

“To all our JIL Saipan members who volunteered, thank you for serving with compassion, humility, and love,” she said. “To the survivors and families still recovering from the typhoon, please know that you are not alone.”

Rivera said the church organized the outreach because it believes faith communities should actively support residents during times of hardship.

“We believe the church should be present not only during worship services, but also during times when the community is hurting and in need,” she said. “This outreach was simply our way of showing God’s love in a practical and meaningful way.”

Aside from Rivera, JIL Saipan pastor Lisa Panuringan and JIL Micronesia Regional director Rev. Evelyn T. Armia also coordinated the distribution event with JIL West USA leadership.