Super Typhoon Ragasa struck Taiwan and its neighbouring countries on September 22-23, 2025. Initial reports from Taiwan say that at least 15 people were killed. On the east coast near the ‘Amis village of Fata’an (Gwang-fu), 17 people are reported missing after a “barrier lake” nearby overflowed and sent floodwaters roaring through the village. Fata’an is home to one of the largest ‘Amis Presbyterian churches in Taiwan and several members of the ‘Amis Bible translation team, which the Rev. Paul McLean, retired PCC mission staff, supports. Team members report they are all fine but deeply concerned for people in their village and the surrounding areas affected by the typhoon.
Below is a prayer written by the Rev. Kino Lafin, a member of the ‘Amis Bible translation team.
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before your throne of grace with both concern and faith. Super Typhoon Ragasa brought strong winds and heavy rains, causing widespread power outages and communication disruptions in the Fata’an area, making life extremely difficult. Low-lying areas have been hit particularly hard by severe flooding. O Lord, we fully understand our human limitations, but you are the Sovereign Lord over heaven and earth, the winds and rains, and the seasons. We earnestly cry out to you.
Please protect the local residents in the Fata’an area, granting safety and refuge for the elderly, children, and the vulnerable in this time of crisis. May your hand support those in urgent need of shelter, ensuring they have a safe place to go to avoid injury or loss. Please protect frontline workers helping with rescue efforts, flood control, and other assistance, ensuring their work goes smoothly and is free from accidents or danger.
Heavenly Father, we know the challenges that will follow this disaster: restoring power and communications, cleaning up the village and rebuilding, and adjusting daily routines. We pray you will be merciful and provide for all needs, enabling churches and communities to support each other and experience practical love in action. O Lord, may this storm, though it has brought trials and testing, also be an opportunity to bear witness to your faithfulness, to demonstrate that your grace is greater than the wind and rain, and that your love cannot be drowned by floods.
Finally, we place the Fata’an region and all those affected by this disaster into your caring hands. May your peace descend upon them, may your protection surround them, and may your comfort fill their frightened hearts. O Lord, we rely upon your word:
We pray in the victorious name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.