THE LATEST NEWS International PAKISTAN - Torrential Rains & Flooding From PCUSA - Presbyterian Disaster Assistance They’re seeking dry ground. Let’s help them find hope.  The people of Pakistan have suffered numerous natural and human-caused disasters over the past several years. Presbyterians have been in ministry there since before the nation of Pakistan was formed. We stand with them today in their time of need. The recent floods have brought record-breaking destruction to the country, with more than 1,400 people dead and more than 1.5 million displaced. You can make a difference in bringing God’s healing to a nation torn by devastation. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is responding through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) and working with our ecumenical partners to help meet emergency needs – providing food packages, shelter material, and non-food essentials. Emergency health services are also being provided. How Can We Respond? Give – Give to support the relief and recovery efforts through PDA. Individuals may give through their local Presbyterian congregation, on the secure PC(USA) Web site or by sending their check to: Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) P.O. Box 643700 Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700 Please include the special designated giving account: DR000038 - Pakistan. Make a donation by calling 1-800-728-7228 Act - Congregations and individuals can put together hygiene kits and baby kits to be distributed through Church World Service. List of items needed. Pray - Join with others in lifting up the people of Pakistan and those seeking to provide aid in this critical time. As the eyes of the world turn to Pakistan, let us join our hearts in prayer: God of compassion, please watch over the people of Pakistan, and weave out of these terrible events wonders of goodness and grace. Surround those who have been affected by tragedy with a sense of your present love, and hold them in faith. Though they are lost in grief, may they find you and be comforted; guide us as a church to find ways of providing assistance that heals and gives hope. Help us to remember that when one of your children suffers we all suffer. Through Jesus Christ who was dead, but lives and rules this world with you.   Amen.  STOP HUNGER NOW -  HELP SAVE LIVES IN PAKISTAN  The recent floods in Pakistan have caused 1600 deaths and affected over 12 million people. Unlike cataclysmic disasters like earthquakes, it attracts less attention. The 2005 Pakistan earthquake killed 80,000 and affected 2 million in a 29,000 square km area. However, this flood is likely to affect more people in a larger area as the rains continue and the flood waters reaches the lower plains further South.   The aftermath of this disaster could potentially result in water borne diseases like cholera, hepatitis, typhoid and acute gastroenteritis due to the contamination of the drinking supplies. Food shortages in a fragile economy dependent on foreign aid could snowball into social unrest. The extensive devastation of the Pakistan flood demands urgent relief.  Stop Hunger Now is responding to the crisis by sending both food and disaster relief funds to our partners already on the ground in Pakistan.    Please consider a donation today to help Stop Hunger Now raise $25,000 to provide aid to our partners and the people of Pakistan.  Although this amount is considerable, the need for relief in Pakistan is far greater.  Please join in our efforts to respond to the life threatening crisis in Pakistan and Stop Hunger Now’s ongoing work in disaster and hunger relief.  We need your help today. Click icon to make a donation. GUATEMALA - Flooding & Landslides In response to Tropical Storm Agatha, which caused flooding and landslides that affected 400,000 people in Guatemala, Cedepca intends to provide psychosocial service to strengthen the resilience of those affected emotionally, and provide cleaning kits in affected communities. Read more...    HAITI - Earthquake Recovery The Presbytery of Charlotte will maintain ongoing relief efforts in Haiti.  Find out the latest on how to help and what is happening in Haiti by visiting the extensive Haiti Disaster Relief webpages. Domestic GEORGIA - Flood Recovery  Last fall, the Sweetwater Creek in Austell, Georgia, went from a two-foot trickle to a 30-foot raging torrent in just two days.  Homes of 3,000 of the city's 7,000 residents were flooded. In the aftermath, the session of Austell Presbyterian Church made the decision to host volunteer work teams to do home restoration and repair. Just as in Iowa and the U.S. Gulf Coast, flood recovery is a long-term effort.  Volunteers are urgently needed to help renovate and rebuild flooded out homes so the community of Austell can recover. David Pearce,  Pastor of Austell Presbyterian Church says, “The work is here, and our church is all set up to host work teams; we just need folks to come.” Call PDA call center at 866-732-6121 to schedule your team or register your interest online. GULF OF MEXICO - Oil Spill The oil spill and its effect on the local economy has the potential of impacting the very same people who are only just recovering from Hurricane Katrina which occurred almost five years ago.  Read more in this situation report... The Gulf Oil Disaster is indeed a time for action on the part of government, corporations, nonprofits and volunteers.  But it also begs for a religious response of contemplation, prayer and calls for environmental and economic justice.  North Carolina Interfaith Power & Light has collected a list of resources, including events, prayers, and religious news & opinion.  Explore the Resources, and check back with this link as the list is regularly updated.  LOUISIANA - Hurricane Katrina Recovery August 29, 2010 represents the 5-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina striking the Gulf Coast.  It was and still is very encouraging to see so many responding to this huge disaster.  Consider returning to New Orleans area, or if you haven't gone yet, make this your first trip!  Visit projecthomecoming.net to see how you can still play an important role in bringing home many displaced individuals and families. LINKS   > Presbyterian Disaster Assistance   > Disaster Preparedness and Training Resources