Prayer service extends solidarity and hope to hurricane survivors in multiple states

Online service features hymns, prayers and updates on damage

by Darla Carter | Presbyterian News Service

The Rev. Dr. Ella Busby of the Presbytery of New Harmony is shown speaking in this file photo. (Photo by Kristen Gaydos)

LOUISVILLE — A spirit of solidarity and hope was evident throughout a prayer service hosted by the Synod of South Atlantic last weekend to comfort those trying to rebound from recent storms — particularly Hurricane Helene and its more recent cousin, Milton — and to lift up those assisting survivors.

The online service, which was done in cooperation with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and various Presbyterian leaders throughout the region, juxtaposed hymns and prayers with reports on the impact of one or both hurricanes to presbyteries in Florida and other parts of the Southeast, such as South Carolina, Georgia and North Carolina.

Helene “has been a sobering storm for South Carolina,” said Mark McCain, director of the South Carolina Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Team, who reported on nearly 50 deaths statewide, thousands of damaged homes, and at least 24 churches with storm impacts. (See a related video on South Carolina here.)

Acknowledging the work of first responders and others involved in rescues or recovery, Presbytery of New Harmony’s the Rev. Dr. Ella Busby expressed gratitude through prayer, saying, “We thank you, O Lord, for their sacrifice and service. … We ask that you go before them and prepare the way by making rough roads smooth and crooked roads straight. O Lord, keep our responders on every avenue, every assignment and every situation safe from all harm.”

Jacquelyn Rembert (Screenshot)

During another prayer, Jacquelyn Rembert, moderator-elect of the Synod of South Atlantic, expressed unity with those who are suffering and acknowledged that survivors may be experiencing a mix of emotions, from heartbreak and worry to frustration and anger.

“These national disasters have left many of us feeling lost,” Rembert said, noting, “We prayed for these storms to go away, and yet these storms came anyway. … Many of us are shaken and weary. We are tired, unsettled in our souls and brokenhearted,” but “we look to the hills from which cometh our help, for we know that our help comes from the Lord who made the heavens and the Earth.”

Rembert went on to pray that survivors be imbued with courage, wisdom, knowledge and the spiritual and physical strength and for them to receive the assistance they need to recover. “For the Word says, ‘You shall supply all of our needs according to your riches and glory,” she continued. “We know that there is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole.”

Kathy Broyard (Photo by Mike Fitzer)

Florida received back-to-back blows from Helene and Milton and has had many other devastating storms in recent years. As a result, there is “a lot of stress, a lot of PTSD,” said Kathy Broyard, executive director of the Florida Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Network (FLAPDAN). “I just ask for your prayers for the folks that are suffering from that.”

In some areas, including North Carolina and Georgia, there are people still dealing with loss of power, the aftermath of flooding and wind damage, and the loss of vital necessities.

“Right now, there is still widespread sheltering, feeding and water delivery continuing throughout the state” of Georgia, said David Woodburn, a member of PDA’s National Response Team.

In North Carolina, “many people still do not have water in the city of Asheville itself … to the point where each school is going to be drilling for water, right where they are, just to have some type of water,” said Rev. Dr. Byron Wade, general presbyter of the Presbytery of Western North Carolina, who presented a report on impacts from Helene and that many people remain evacuated from affected areas. As a result of Helene’s overall effects, “we know this is going to be a very, very long journey and … ask that you may continue to pray for us.”

The Rev. CeCe Armstrong (Photo by Rich Copley)

The Rev. CeCe Armstrong, Co-Moderator of the 226^th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), reminded viewers that, “Even in the rough times, we’re still together,” and stressed the importance of doing everything “in God.”

“If we are recovering, we will recover in God,” she said. “If we are grieving, we will grieve in God. If we are waiting, we will wait in God. If we are responding, we will respond in God. And if we are giving thanks, we will give thanks in God.”

Armstrong and many others expressed gratitude for the assistance of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, which has been in close contact with the affected areas through visits, grants, calls and other support. Solidarity visits are planned.

“Know that your denomination, your siblings in Christ, stand with you, both now and into the future,” said the Rev. Jim Kirk, PDA Associate for Disaster Response in the United States, who offered scripture and resources and read from Jan L. Richardson’s book, “Night Visions: Searching the Shadows of Advent and Christmas.” He also thanked all those who’ve donated clean-up buckets or helped in other ways, concluding with, “I pray that none of us grow weary in doing what is good.”

The Rev. Edwin González-Castillo (Photo by Rich Copley)

The Rev. Edwin González-Castillo, director of PDA, affirmed the denomination’s commitment, noting, “In the years to come, we promise to be there with you all,” and believe that God “will help us to rise.”

Presbyterian educator Billie Suiter prayed for those in limbo, noting there are some who “still wait for a shower, clean clothes, a hot meal, a shovel, a chainsaw, a tarp for the roof, a hug from a friend or relative or the comfort of our pets, for the restoration of power, water, Wi-Fi, roads and bridges.”

Suiter also reminded viewers about the importance of being in community. “As we take the next steps … we continue to share our love, our skills, our hearts, hands and prayers with one another. May the Holy Spirit enfold us all in love, that our weary bodies, minds and souls can together meet the waiting challenges of these days.”

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is one of the Compassion, Peace and Justice ministries of the Presbyterian Mission Agency. To contribute to their hurricane response, click here.