(EUCON) — In the devastating aftermath of Typhoon Sinlaku, the Northern Mariana Islands were left broken and scarred. Yet, in the face of sudden disaster, EUCON International University has shown remarkable resilience. Just three days after the storm, while debris still littered the ground, EUCON reopened its doors to resume classes. Instructors worked day and night to help students catch up, ensuring no one fell behind, while staff pushed through immense pressure to ensure the graduation ceremony took place exactly as scheduled. Together, the entire EUCON family has been working around the clock — balancing education with the grueling work of rebuilding their campus.
In the midst of this uphill battle, a beautiful and deeply moving answer came from across the ocean. Hearing the cries of their brothers and sisters in Saipan, Harvest Ministries (Harvest Baptist Church) in Guam quickly answered the call. They dispatched a six-man volunteer restoration team to Saipan to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with EUCON and help rebuild the local schools and community. Carrying the biblical command to “love thy neighbor as thyself,” they are writing a story of hope and faith atop the ruins.
This dedicated team from Guam is committing to eight days of intense, fully voluntary, and sacrificial labor. They are skilled craftsmen with hearts of true servants:
• Ben: An experienced electrician who is completely rewriting and repairing the damaged electrical systems on campus to ensure safety for the students.
• Josh M. and David: Seasoned roofers and craftsmen who are racing against time to mend the torn-up roofs and replace shattered tiles, giving students and staff a safe haven once more.
• Joshua Taylor, Rai (12), and Carson (12): Josh brought his 12-year-old sons, Rai and Carson, to serve alongside him. For years, these young boys have been doing voluntary yard cleanup in their local Guam community. Now, the father and sons are pouring their energy into clearing heavy debris, sawing fallen branches, and hauling away the wreckage at EUCON.
Perhaps the most touching sight is seeing these two 12-year-old boys. At an age when most children are enjoying vacations, they choose to sweat under the burning sun, working tirelessly alongside their father. These six men asked for no personal gain, recognition, or pay. They came simply because their hearts are full of love. As team leader, Josh beautifully put it: “We know what it is like to face the long road of recovery, cleanup, and rebuilding following a typhoon. So, when Harvest Ministries asked for a team to come up and help our brothers and sisters in Saipan, we were quick to volunteer. It is a privilege to make the short trip from Guam to help neighbors in Saipan.” By humbly serving those who are hurting, they are faithfully serving the Lord Jesus Christ.
“The sacrifice of our neighbors from Guam has deeply touched every single one of us,” said Dr. Christian Wei, president of EUCON International University. “They have shown us what the love of Christ truly looks like. If our neighbors can cross the ocean to pour out their sweat for our home without asking for anything in return, we, as the people of the CNMI, must dig deeper and work harder to rebuild what we have lost.”
Since its founding, EUCON International University has been rooted in this community, sharing its joys and its sorrows. Even today, beneath the heavy financial strain of storm damage, the university refuses to compromise on its promises to the local people. EUCON continues to provide its Indigenous Scholarship, offering full educational support from elementary, middle, and high school through college and graduate school. EUCON knows that rebuilding a home is more than fixing buildings — it is about investing in the next generation.
Today, EUCON is reaching out to every agency, organization, church, and individual who can lend a helping hand.
“We are uniting under one unwavering vision: ‘Make CNMI Great Again!’ Rebuilding our home requires all of us, from all walks of life, to work together with everything we have. Let the storm bring us together and let love rebuild our home! Make CNMI Great Again!
“We gently urge our friends throughout the community to look at the selfless sacrifice of our neighbors from Guam and let it light a fire in our own hearts. Please join us. Whether through your prayers, financial support, materials, or volunteer hours, let us stand together and turn these ruins into a foundation of hope.”
About EUCON International University
Located in Saipan, EUCON International University is a Christian institution dedicated to providing high-quality higher education and foundational schooling. Built upon the truths of Scripture, EUCON seeks to nurture leaders of integrity, character, and excellence for the CNMI and the world, while remaining deeply committed to giving back to the local community through educational scholarships.
