Nearly a month after Typhoon Haiyan devastated much of the central part of the Philippines, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) continues to work with its partners to provide basic relief.

An initial commitment of $50,000 from the One Great Hour of Sharing offering is helping to provide Filipinos with food, water, sanitation and shelter.

 In the future, PDA will work with partners to access to how best work toward long-term recovery.

“We know it will be a long road to recovery,” said Laurie Kraus, coordinator of PDA, in a statement. “PDA will continue working with our partners to meet the long-term needs of those affected by the typhoon and to assist with redevelopment efforts.”

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has five mission co-workers and several Young Adult Volunteers based in the Philippines. Mission co-worker Rebecca Lawson is collaborating with the National Council of Churches in the Philippines sorting supplies being sent to one of the hardest hit areas. Mission co-workers Cobbie and Dessa Palm are helping United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) with ongoing assessment needs. Cobbie will be part of a team to assess and formulate a plan to address the needs in the Philippines over the long term. YAV Duncan Kirk has been assigned to work directly with the UCCP Task Force Yolanda/Haiyan.

PDA is a member of ACT Alliance, an ecumenical agency that provides emergency, development and advocacy resources to those in need. PDA’s partner, the National Council of Churches in the Philippines, is working with ACT to assemble thousands of relief packages.

PDA encourages Presbyterians who want to help the recovery efforts to stand in the GAP by giving, acting and praying:

  • Give: Share your financial blessings by designating gifts to DR000012-Philippines. Give through your local Presbyterian congregation, online, or by mailing a check to Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) P.O. Box 643700 Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700. You can also text 'PDA' to 20222 to donate $10 for disaster response.
  • Act: Like us on Facebook and share updates with your congregation or others.
  • Pray: Please pray that through the response of the faith community, the people and communities impacted by Super Typhoon Haiyan and those offering assistance will be strengthened, have their needs met, and be reminded of the hope and compassion that are found in Christ.

Those who wish to give physical items are encouraged to send “gifts of the heart” to Church World Service (CWS). These gifts include baby care kits, school kits and cleanup buckets and are used to restock CWS’s warehouses after disasters. More information on these gifts is available from CWS.