While Hurricane Harvey was still on the ground in Texas, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance was preparing for the next big storm, Hurricane Irma. PDA has been busy with back-to-back catastrophic storms in the past two weeks. On Wednesday, the Category 5 Irma, packing winds of 185 mph, tore through the northern Lesser Antilles and Virgin Islands, as well as Puerto Rico. PDA has been in constant communication with communities in its path.
The road to recovery from Hurricane Harvey is just beginning in Texas. For Mission Presbytery and the Presbytery of the New Covenant, the primary task in recent days has been to maintain communication with churches and congregations in the storm’s path. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is in the midst of a six-day visit to both presbyteries to meet with leaders and help them in recovery planning.
First Presbyterian Church in the City of New York is hosting a two-day symposium on the challenges facing LGBTQ refugees and asylum seekers. The church, working alongside several ministries within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), will host the gathering entitled “Love Welcome,” October 20-21.
As news comes in on the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey in Texas, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is organizing a response that will help sustain life and restore hope in the coming days.
“It’s bad, Dust Bowl bad.” That’s how Kathy Goodrich, co-general presbyter of the Yellowstone Presbytery, describes the impact of Montana wildfires this summer. Hot, dry conditions have proven costly for communities across the state as wildfires continue to spread.
Confession of Belhar, Facing Racism and other resources inspire Presbyterians to speak out during worship services against racist, neo-Nazi and white supremacist actions in Charlottesville.
Opposition to white supremacist, KKK and neo-Nazi groups gathered in Charlottesville, Virginia for a “Unite the Right” rally over the weekend included several Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) clergy and members. The Rev. Ken Henry, of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Charlottesville, was one of the organizers of a Thursday prayer vigil that preceded the events of the weekend.
Severe famine and ongoing fighting between ethnic groups have made survival difficult for millions of people in South Sudan. As a result of the deteriorating conditions, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) has issued an appeal.
In October 2015, the South Carolina coastline was pummeled by heavy rains and flooding. A year later, Hurricane Matthew caused havoc in North Carolina damaging thousands of homes and businesses. But despite immediate response by Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and a number of other agencies, the need for clean up and repair continues in both states.
“What are we going to do with these people who are shedding tears day and night, who are wounded in their hearts, about these children who are suffering? How can the Church be a light in the situation? How can we give hope? God has entrusted us with this responsibility, to be the voice of these people.”
