Testimony
MEMOIRS OF THE 2004 TRAGEDY IN QUEZON PROVINCE
By: Rev. Lemuel P. Tamon
Newfound Bible Baptist Mission
Real, Quezon
(0921-577-6014)
I WAS SO ANXIOUS to go home after watching the TV that there was landslide and flashflood in Quezon Province, never thinking that it will happen in our very place at # 15 Purok Buho, Barangay Cawayan, Real, Quezon. I was even scheduled to attend the church anniversary of Pastor Job Bondad in Olongapo City during that time.
It was 6:00 P.M. when I arrived to our place in Real, Quezon Province from Pasig City on November 29, 2004. School children we’re still in our home, having “bagkatan” fellowship. They were all students of my wife in the elementary school nearby.
It was raining heavily and the students didn’t want to go home because they we’re enjoying their fellowship. We just insisted that they go home for it was already getting dark.
After the students have left, I asked my wife to accompany me to apologize to someone because I failed to come to my appointment that noon. I was then still in Pasig City.
It was already starting to flood in the central areas of our town when we reached
our home after attending a death anniversary. Immediately I went to our small stream, which is very close to our house, to clear some small debris piling which may cause the water to rise.
Then I heard the roaring sound from a distance close to the river which is a stone’s throw away from our house. Even with that roaring sound I still felt relaxed and I had no idea of the gravity of what was happening in some other areas.
Not knowing what will happen next, I still went to call the attention of our barangay chairman and I volunteered for whatever help I can do.
On my way back home, I met my neighbors who were rushing out from their houses which according to them were washed away by the flood and rushing tree trunks.. A floating tree trunk almost killed a boy who attends in our Sunday school.
Even with that situation, the Lord gave me peace in my heart which made me relaxed and I had presence of mind. I went straight home and found out that the water at the small stream which runs near our house was getting higher and closer to our house a lot of. timber were floating and the raging water was like a tempest.. In a few seconds, our place was surrounded by water coming from our nearby river and a landslide took place right at our backyard. It was at this point when there was no more communication to connect us from the rest of the country.
Many lives were lost, thousands of families were left homeless; but the LORD spared my family and our home from any harm and destruction. WHAT A WONDERFUL GOD WE HAVE! The only damage we consider was the loss of our barbwire fence.
The LORD also granted me an opportunity to help save a little boy from drowning. By God’s grace, he used me to help other people in our” barangay” by being a volunteer in the relief operation of the social workers in cooperation with our Municipal Mayor.
The memories of the Quezon Tragedy in 2004 is really very devastating to many. But as for me and my family, we will never forget how God gave us PROTECTION, COMFORT & PEACE amidst those trying times!
WE GIVE BACK ALL THE HONOR, GLORY & THANKSGIVING TO THE LORD JESUS CHRIST FOR PRESERVING US! PRAISE BE HIS HOLY NAME! PRAISE BE THE LORD!!!
Rev. Lemuel P. Tamon
Newfound Bible Baptist Mission
Real, Quezon 4335
09215776014