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YOUR HELP IS NEEDED ~
The Global National Mission Disaster Response Team is a Committee of the Charlotte Presbytery that helps people in need locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. We are in need of the following:
* Grant Writers – The Committee is working on several projects where Grants will be needed to fund the work
* Project Managers – Mission Trips and Work Groups are being put together throughout the Charlotte Presbytery and Project Managers are needed to lead the groups
* Work Groups – Work Groups are needed to provide needed relief and support after Natural Disasters in Eastern North Carolina, Alabama and Missouri
If you are interested, please contact Debbie Wilkinson at the Presbytery of Charlotte: 980-207-5217 or Email: debbie.wilkinson@presbyofcharlotte.org
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Tornado damage in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is already responding to the tornadoes that struck the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area on Tuesday, April 3.
Thankfully, there have been no reported deaths, nor any major injuries. However, more than 400 homes have been reported as destroyed - many in the Dallas suburb of Arlington.
Members of the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) National Response Team are on their way to Grace Presbytery to help PC(USA) leadership in their response and to assist in needs assessments. So far no Presbyterian Churches have reported damage. Assessment continues to determine the extent of the impact within the Presbyterian family. In any case, response to the community will be important.
PDA stands ready to immediately transfer funds as needs are identified and requests for funding are received. Your generous gifts to the One Great Hour of Sharing offering make this possible.
Please stand in the GAP for families in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and other others affected by disasters.
Give. You can help in this response through your financial gifts to DR000015 — U.S.A. Disasters and Emergencies; or give to the PDA General Account – DR000148 Your gifts to OGHS make an immediate response to disasters such as this possible.
Act: Sign up to receive PDA RIN (Rapid Information Network) emails to be aware of current responses and urgent needs you can share with your congregation.
Prepare Gift of the Heart Kits. When widespread disasters occur, there is usually a need to replenish the supply to ensure a sufficient quantity for future disaster situations. Learn more about hygiene kits, baby kits, school kits and clean up buckets.
Contact the PDA Call Center by email or call (866) 732-6121 to let them know of your teams’ interest in volunteering to help with recovery and rebuilding efforts when the needs and hosting sites are identified. Eden Carroll will take your information and let you know when volunteer opportunities arise.
Pray: Our best response is prayer. God of wind and water, stillness and storm, your Spirit sweeps over the surface of the sea. Give us faith to seek you in times of trouble. Reach out your hand to us when we are sinking so that we may believe and worship you; through Jesus Christ, Sovereign and Savior.
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Philippines
Typhoon Washi (also referred to as Typhoon Sendong) struck the southern Philippines over December 15-18, 2011, causing landslides and massive flooding on the island of Mindanao. The most severe destruction occurred in the port cities of Iligan and Cagayan de Oro; many smaller coastal villages along the northern parts of the island also sustained damage.
Washi caught thousands of people unaware as they slept, as the course of the storm followed a more southerly trajectory than most tropical storms and typhoons in the Philippines.
More than 63,000 families, or 338,000 people, have lost their homes and belongings due to the storm and subsequent flooding. More than 280,000 residents have taken shelter in evacuation centers in the disaster area, and more than 1,500 people are injured. The death toll is now over 1200, with hundreds still missing.
Individuals may give online, or 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
To support international response, please include the special designated giving account DR000012 – Philippines. Congregations should send donations to the Presbytery of Charlotte - PHILIPPINES RELIEF.
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Japan Disaster Relief: The Presbytery of Charlotte has set up a relief fund, working with our Global National Missions & Disaster Relief Team and their connections with the Salvation Army in Japan. The local Salvation Army Chapter is available to speak to groups and congregation regarding their disaster response in Japan. Contact Shelley Henderson or call 704-714-4727. Read more about the Salvation Army's Japan relief efforts HERE.
Make checks payable to "Presbytery of Charlotte" and indicate "Japan Disaster Relief" on all checks submitted. |
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| To find out more about the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) Japan response efforts, click HERE. |
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TIPS FROM FEMA: BUILD A SAFE ROOM AND KNOW HOW TO USE IT ~
The severe storms that swept across northern Georgia on April 27 and 28 clearly demonstrated the serious threat that extreme weather conditions can have on this part of the state. Although a home may be built “to code,” that does not mean it can withstand the forces from extreme events such as tornadoes, straight line winds and major hurricanes.
Read the complete article. |
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| Are You, Your Family, & Your Church Prepared for Disasters? Check out this website, sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security, to start easily planning for disasters for families, businesses and kids. It's graphically exciting, easy to navigate and full of information, planning guides, check lists, etc. Visit: http://www.ready.gov/. |
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| Trailer Ministry Forges Ahead - The Presbytery's Community Disaster Response Team started with the simple idea of a shower trailer, but then the idea grew. Find out more about the progress of this ministry. |
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News from the Gulf Region:
On behalf of the Presbytery of South Louisiana , I thank you and the Presbytery of Charlotte for you generosity in loaning Project Homecoming the shower /toilet trailer. What a joy it is to be part of a loving and connectional church. It is a great honor for us to partner with brothers and sisters from the Presbytery of Charlotte in this ministry of reconstruction, in this way. Please convey our appreciation to members of your presbytery. We appreciate your support. May the resurrected Lord continue to bless all you do in ministry.
Blessings,
The Rev. Dr. Ron Sutto, IGP
The Presbytery of South Louisiana
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| Haiti Disaster Relief: The Presbytery of Charlotte has a fund collecting donations for disaster relief in Haiti. Financial contributions are the most urgent need right now. For more information on ways you can help Haiti after the recent 7.0 earthquake that struck, see the Haiti Disaster Relief webpage. |
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| Speakers Available – Need Still Great in Haiti: Our Presbytery is organizing a coordinated effort to bring relief to our brothers and sisters in Bayonnais, a remote area of Haiti with particularly desperate need after recent hurricanes ripped through the area. One part of that effort is to create a "speakers bureau" of individuals who have personal knowledge and experience there. They are available to bring programs, pictures, and information to your congregation. Learn how you can most effectively channel your love and support to our hurting brothers and sisters in Haiti. To arrange a program, contact Debbie Wilkinson, 704-535-9999, ext 5217, or Doug Wilson, 704-364-5059. |
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Check out the Mission Opportunities Website. Find opportunities and resources for your next mission project.
Click here. |
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How has the Presbytery of Charlotte been responding to the hunger crisis?
From partnerships with various organizations, and through the work of people in our presbytery, we have made, and continue to make much progress in the local, national, and international fight against hunger. Read more. |
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