Of that total, almost $575,000 has been provided to 15 middle governing bodies from Puerto Rico to Pittsburgh to meet the needs of disaster survivors. More than $510,000 has been granted to help 39 churches and three Presbyterian-related colleges repair damaged property.

Physically manifesting God’s love for all creation, 21 members of the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Team have volunteered their time (some for as long as four weeks) in response to the crisis.

In providing spiritual care, damage assessment, organizational advice, and volunteer coordination, these dedicated volunteers accomplished every assignment and made it possible for Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to be present throughout the broad, disaster-impacted area.

Even in a major disaster, resources become scarce. As a result, volunteers are often needed to sustain the long-term recovery of disaster survivors and communities. Some of our most heavily damaged presbyteries have established a Disaster Response Task Force and are hosting and coordinating volunteer workteams. Helping others in their greatest hour of need is not only central to the church’s mission, but also makes for a great Spring Break / Summer Vacation mission project. Please check to see where workteams are needed.

Please continue to pray for the hurricane survivors who are struggling to rebuild their livelihoods. Pray also for the thousands of caregivers who have sacrificed self in providing hope and comfort to those who have suffered great loss. And remember that it is the One Great Hour of Sharing offering that makes the ministry of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance possible — please give generously this Easter.

Stan Hankins
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance