Surviving a destructive typhoon in the Philippines and
dealing with the aftermath is an emotionally charged memory for Midlothian
resident, Taylor Stockwell. When typhoon Haiyan struck last November he felt
compelled to return and help.
In 1991 while serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Taylor and his companion were stuck on a bus in the middle of tropical storm Thelma. When a flash flood hit they watched in horror as the water came rushing into the streets around them.Miraculously he and his companion survived when over 8,000 people perished. The weeks following the storm they delivered food, medicine and comfort to the victims but were soon forced to transfer out of the area for their own safety. Even though he continued to serve the Filipino people in other areas, Taylor felt he had abandoned the people he had grown to love in their most critical hour of need and a sense of guilt has remained with him all these years.
In 1991 while serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Taylor and his companion were stuck on a bus in the middle of tropical storm Thelma. When a flash flood hit they watched in horror as the water came rushing into the streets around them.Miraculously he and his companion survived when over 8,000 people perished. The weeks following the storm they delivered food, medicine and comfort to the victims but were soon forced to transfer out of the area for their own safety. Even though he continued to serve the Filipino people in other areas, Taylor felt he had abandoned the people he had grown to love in their most critical hour of need and a sense of guilt has remained with him all these years.
When news of the mass destruction left by Haiyan reached
Taylor he immediately began organizing relief efforts and funds. “For me, this
was an opportunity to make up what I had lost, to give service and aid at a
crucial time in the lives of these same people I had served as a missionary.”
After raising money on his Rally.org/save-leyte page and
with donated sky miles, Taylor left for the Philippines on November 19th. He
arrived just as the emergency and medical phase of relief efforts was at its
peak and food, water and hygiene were becoming the main focus. Partnered with
disaster response expert Michael Shiffler, with
relief experience in places such as Haiti and Japan, they spent the first week
coordinating and delivering food aid. Taylor was able to help Michael and his
team deliver roughly 500,000 meals to local residents before he was asked to
focus his efforts and knowledge on much needed shelter. Taylor’s commission was
to figure out how to provide homes for thousands of displaced families in the
Tacloban area. Many of his shelter ideas were later adopted by LDS Humanitarian
Services and other relief groups. He also became the UN representative in that
area for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
In the midst of juggling multiple projects
Taylor discovered an additional way he could help the Filipino people. Economic
recovery was a huge concern for local residents who were now emerging from
their “shell-shocked” state and with a large portion left of donated funds from
his Rally.org page he realized he could make a lasting and ongoing difference
for these people.
“One morning, I was thinking about how to
use the remaining funds. Christmas was around the corner and it occurred to me
that I could get a ton of toys and presents for many of the families I was
serving. But later that day, I was speaking with a young father and the subject
of Christmas came up. I saw a glimpse of the burden this man was feeling.
His anxieties about Christmas were severe - he had nothing, absolutely nothing
to give to his children, and more than anything, he wanted to bring his
children joy for Christmas.” Taylor then had an epiphany, “Why should I
jump into that special bond between parents and children and set myself up as
the hero? No, what I needed to do was to help these moms and dads be the heroes
to their children.” He recognized that one of the most important things he
could do was help pick these people up, but then allow them to stand on their
own feet and provide for themselves.
Feeling inspired with this new idea, Taylor
came across another volunteer who happened to be his former professor at BYU.
Professor Gibson helped him understand how to use the remaining funds to begin
micro-financing for disaster victims. First they identify a candidate - someone
with experience running a micro business and who was washed out from the
Typhoon. Funds are then issued to that business owner so they can re-build.
The loan recipients have zero interest for 12 months. When the loan is
paid off the money goes back into the coffers to help another family.
“It's a tiny program, for sure,” Taylor
humbly admits. “But, we've been able to fund four businesses already and I
expect the first loan to be paid back soon.”
When asked if there was still a need for further
donations he responded, “Could we use more money, absolutely! There is
incredible power in this program. We can take a little bit of money and stretch
it in a way to positively impact entire families. I’ll never forget the look in
the eyes of that first father whose business we funded. It was the look of
hope.”
Rebuilding
in the Philippines is going to take several years as well as the continued
combined efforts of many. When reporting to a congregation of members of his
church regarding his recent trip to Tacloban, he challenged them to, “Never lose your compassion toward those
who suffer such calamities.” His advice and example serve as a reminder
that even when the reports from such disasters dwindle in following weeks and
months, the needs of the victims do not disappear as quickly.
