GOD’S WORK OF REBUILDING: HOMES, HEARTS, AND LIVES

In the aftermath of the June 2026 earthquake that hit Davao, rebuilding homes became a meaningful way to bring hope and a fresh start to families affected by the disaster. GAiN Korea, in partnership with GAiN International, DARTee, and local partners, worked together to rebuild three homes for affected families. One of the most meaningful moments of the project was having the opportunity to meet the families who will soon call these new houses their home—a special reminder of the lives being touched and the hope being restored through this effort.

“God helped me build a new house!” These are the joyful words Arlene Vicente now shares with her coworkers. When the earthquake struck in June, Arlene was working night shift at a cannery. Although the factory and warehouse were damaged, everyone evacuated safely. However, landslides and earthquake damage washed away the road to her village, leaving her unable to return home for a month. Despite losing everything, Arlene’s first response was to thank God for sparing her family’s lives. Today, she is deeply grateful for the gift of a strong and safe new home where her family can begin again.

For sisters Jerylin and Florida Meluya, losing their family home to the earthquake meant facing an uncertain future. Their once two-storey house was reduced to rubble when the magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck last June. With aftershocks posing continued danger, the family lived in a tent outdoors for three weeks. They were eventually allowed to stay in a spare house owned by their aunt, but only until December. As Jerylin looked at the remains of their home and worried about where the family would live next, she prayed through tears. GAiN's visit became a beautiful answer to their prayers. Seeing their new home take shape day by day filled the sisters' hearts with gratitude and renewed hope.

Gladis was not only one of the families whose home was destroyed by the earthquake; she also became a valuable local partner in the rebuilding effort. As a local coordinator, she regularly worked with the GAiN team and helped oversee the construction site. She vividly recalls rushing to her children's school when the earthquake struck, followed by the difficult days when severe flooding forced her family to leave their outdoor tent and return to their damaged home. Unsure how they could ever afford to rebuild, Gladis was overwhelmed with joy when she learned that GAiN was coming to help. What began in tears of worry turned into tears of joy and renewed hope.

By meeting these families, listening to their stories of pain, and praying with them, we witnessed God at work. Looking into the eyes of those who are hurting and genuinely caring about their pain begins with a small, loving heart, not a big or grand idea.

Even after losing everything, they continue to thank God for sparing and rebuilding their homes and their lives. Their simple yet profound faith touches our hearts and challenges us to reflect more deeply on how we live our own daily lives.

People came together without hesitation, united in one heart for God's good purpose. They gathered from different countries, including Australia, Germany, the Philippines, and Korea.

Though we look different, speak different languages, and come from different cultures, we share the same heart for each person. We give all the glory to God, who brings us together as one team, working in unity despite our differences.