Presbyterian Disaster Assistance leads online service filled with prayers for victims and survivors
by Darla Carter | Presbyterian News Service
The Rev. Edwin González-Castillo, director of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (Photo by Rich Copley)
LOUISVILLE — Presbyterian Disaster Assistance led a worship service this week in honor of people all over the world who have been affected by natural disasters or other tragedies, from tornadoes to gun violence.
The midweek service for national staff of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) was pegged to National Preparedness Month (September), which raises awareness about the importance of getting ready for disasters and other emergencies that can lead to loss of life and property. However, much of the focus was kept on those who’ve already experienced such harrowing events.
“God in mystery and Lord of all life and sustainer of all hope, we ask your special concern for those who are survivors of all disasters this day,” said Susan Krehbiel, PDA associate for Migration Accompaniment Ministries. “We pray especially for those facing loss as the rivers crest near their homes and those who have already suffered loss through tornadoes and storm(s).”
There have been many disasters in the United States and around the world this year, including wildfires, flooding and multiple hurricanes. They add to a long list of disasters in recent years that have affected people in countries such as Libya, Haiti, Pakistan and the Philippines, as well as the U.S., as climate change has altered weather patterns and fueled extreme weather events.
Photo by Max LaRochelle via Unsplash
“We want to not only remember those who have (been) the victims but (also) those who continue to recover,” PDA’s director, the Rev. Edwin González-Castillo, said near the beginning of the service. “The road to recovery is a long one, and it’s not a straight line. And for many people, even when we don’t see it in the news, the recovery, not only physically but emotionally and spiritually, continues to happen.”
Through this worship service, “we want to continue to pray for the communities,” he said. “We want to continue to recognize the pain and the suffering and pray for God’s Spirit to be with all of us and with those who are still recovering from disaster.”
Various members of PDA and Compassion, Peace & Justice ministries assisted with the service, offering prayers and poems during the 30-minute service, which also included songs such as “Kyrie Eleison” and “As the Wind Song Through the Trees.”
Dayna Oliver, associate for International Program Administration, prayed, “Jesus, you are our brother, our Savior, our friend. Today and always, be with those who have faced the mighty power of the wind and now are looking for the calm breath of your spirit. This is our prayer. Amen.”
Later, the Rev. Dr. Laurie Kraus prayed for those who have been affected by gun violence, the subject of PDA’s “Trigger” documentary and some of PDA’s emotional and spiritual care work.
The Rev. Dr. Laurie Kraus, director of humanitarian and global engagement for the PC(USA) (provided)
“We join in prayer for those who have been victims and survivors of gun violence, and for advocacy and action around the scourge of gun violence in our nation,” said Kraus, director of humanitarian and global engagement for the PC(USA). “We remember with thanksgiving today the work of our General Assembly in beginning to urge us toward a Decade to End Gun Violence, the work of programs in Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and partner organizations that are even now meeting at Ghost Ranch, working together on trying to address this issue and to bring the voice of the Presbyterian Church even more strongly into the advocacy that needs to happen.”
She added, “God of our life, whose presence sustains us in every circumstance … we pray for those who have been spared and those whose lives are changed forever, that they may find solace, sustenance and strength.”
Those watching the online service were given the chance, through the chat function, to list those in need of prayer, and some took the opportunity to lift up PDA volunteers who respond to disasters and help communities recover from trauma.
Whatever your ministry is, González-Castillo said, “We pray that wherever you go, whatever you do, you’re sent there by God to be a healing force,” bringing a nurturing spirit and a spirit of hope.
PDA is one of the Compassion, Peace & Justice ministries of the Presbyterian Mission Agency. For more information about their work, download PDA’s annual report, “Mosaic Year in Review 2023,” which is available in English and Spanish, here.
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