PDA responds to Hurricane Melissa

(Photo credit: Saturnino Perez )

“God is our refuge and strength... Therefore, we will not fear, though the waters roar and foam." Psalm 46

As we begin to see the catastrophic impacts Category 5 Hurricane Melissa made as it tore its path through Jamaica and across Cuba, we are praying for our siblings in the Caribbean. With maximum sustained winds of 185 miles per hour at landfall on Tuesday morning, authorities are calling this one of the most powerful storms ever to hit the region. Its smaller remnant continues to inflict damage among island nations in its path, and it will take years to recover.   Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is providing grants to address urgent, immediate needs and will remain to address long-term recovery and unmet needs. The magnitude of this storm will require the development of long-term projects and assistance for both physical and emotional long-lasting effects. PDA affirms our commitment to accompany those affected by this disaster. As people of God, once again we are called to bridge the “GAP” — Give, Act and Pray.

GIVE. ACT. PRAY.   GIVE: Financial support for relief efforts can be made online by clicking HERE, by phone at (800) 728-7228, ext. 5885, or by check made payable to Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) with “Hurricane Melissa” written on the memo line and mailed to: Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) P.O. Box 643700 Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700.

ACT: Download and use the bulletin insert. Stay informed and like us on Facebook, download resources and share updates with your congregation. PRAY: Gracious and loving God, We lift up before You the people and places affected by Hurricane Melissa. You are our shelter, our refuge, our strong tower in times of trouble. We ask that You walk with every family, every home, and every neighborhood facing winds, rain and uncertainty. May Your Spirit surround the most vulnerable and those at greater risk. Be with the emergency responders, the volunteers, the church communities and local agencies who serve in the eye of the storm. Grant clarity and calm in the midst of chaos, courage to those who must act, and compassion to those who serve. We pray that You would tame the winds, quiet the floods and steady the earth beneath. Bring safety to every person; bring healing to every place. In the aftermath, hold up the broken-hearted, restore what has been lost, and kindle hope where fear has been strong. May Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard hearts and minds during this trial. And may Your faithful presence be a light in the darkness and bring out of chaos, hope. We offer this in the name of Jesus Christ, our comfort and our strength. Amen.