A Message from Gayle Schmidt (CFP PDA -
August 2007):
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance in
Action
As we read the newspaper and watch
the news, we see that there is so much destruction around the country
and world. On the West Coast there has been so much damage from
fires; in Kansas, destruction from tornadoes; in Texas, Oklahoma,
Kansas and Iowa, extreme flooding; tornadoes in Florida; earthquakes
in Japan; and flooding in China and England. So many people are
hurting and in need of help.
I am so happy to tell you that we,
Presbyterians, are helping in all of these places. Presbyterian
Disaster Assistance (PDA) is working on our behalf because we make it
possible through such things as One Great Hour of Sharing, and
designated funds have been sent to eight different presbyteries
affected by flooding. Six members of the PDA National Response Team
have been deployed to the affected areas to serve as resources, to
provide assistance as needed to presbyteries and congregations active
in the relief and recovery efforts, and to represent the care and
concern of all the members of the denomination. It is our generosity
that makes this possible.
On Monday, July 23, an article in
USA Today reported that at least 29,345 Presbyterians have aided the
Katrina relief efforts, ranking fourth among all faith-based
organizations. Only the Southern Baptist Convention, Habitat for
Humanity, and the United Methodist Committee on Relief have
contributed more volunteer workers to the relief effort. Many of the
Presbyterian volunteers have been working with PDA supervisors and
staying in PDA Volunteer Villages.
“We are deeply indebted to all the
Presbyterians who have so selflessly contributed to the rebuilding of
the Gulf Coast,” said PDA coordinator Susan Ryan. “And while public
recognition is not our reason for doing this work, it is gratifying to
see USA Today tell its millions of readers that the Presbyterian
Church (USA) is so effective in bearing Christ’s love to those most in
need.”
Central Florida has been the
recipient of that love in action from PDA, and we have also
volunteered in the past and will again. That is the way it is with
loving and generous people. Remember all of those who have lost
homes, businesses, and churches to fires, storms and floods in your
prayers, as well as all of the volunteers sharing God’s love with
hammers, saws, paintbrushes, etc., especially as we approach the
second anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.
