Two additional Presbyterian Disaster Assistance National Response Team (PDA-NRT) members, the Reverends Tom Jackson and Bob Houser, have been sent to Riverside Presbytery bringing the number of PDA-NRT members responding to the tragic Southern California fires to six.

PDA-NRT members help to represent the presence and care of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and to bring a witness of God’s love and comfort to church leaders and communities affected by the disaster.

Team members have been meeting with presbytery staff and local pastors to help in their disaster response plans and activities. Members have also participated in worship services and prayer vigils held for disaster survivors.

PDA anticipates long-term recovery needs from the fires that caused nearly a million people to become temporarily displaced. An appeal for designated funds will be mailed early next week to all Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregations. One Great Hour of Sharing funds have already been sent to San Diego Presbytery and are available for other presbyteries upon request.

Please continue to pray for the many families that were displaced by the fires, the courageous firefighters and rescue workers, the caregivers and Presbyterian congregations providing ministry to disaster survivors, and all involved in the disaster response.