One of the most fulfilling things in the work we do in the Philippines is the ripple effect of changed lives.

On September.30th at 10pm a devastating 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck Cebu. The epicenter and devastation was about a 3 hours drive from the city. Until now, families are unable to sleep in their home either because of damage or the trauma of frequent aftershocks.

It was a regular Tuesday night when the ground shook beneath McDonald’s in Bogo City. Ronnel Cabatingan, a 22-year-old working student and church volunteer, was cleaning tables when the 6.9 magnitude earthquake hit. Within seconds, the building began to collapse. The power went out. In the darkness and chaos, Ronnel dove under a table—just in time.