If you are like many of us, you have spent the past week looking at the heartbreaking images and videos from the southeastern United States after Hurricane Helene and feeling a little helpless in the wake of such devastation. We are fortunate that we support several mission partners who are working to bring relief to this suffering.
Matthew 25: Ministries, in collaboration with Procter & Gamble and Walmart, deployed their Disaster Response Team to Florida equipped with a range of fleet vehicles, including Tide Loads of Hope Mobile Laundry units, shower trailers, and co-branded panel trucks. The team is offering critical services such as laundry and shower facilities and distributing essential supplies, including personal care kits, baby products, paper goods, insect repellent, as well as additional items like garbage bags, cleaning supplies, and first aid and safety kits provided by Cintas to areas affected by the hurricane. If you would like to assist in or learn more about M25: M’s efforts, follow this link - https://m25m.org/disaster/helene24/
Unto (a Cru Ministry) meets critical needs for victims of natural disasters worldwide by providing food, water, shelter, and other resources — while building relationships that give their teams opportunities to share the hope of Jesus. The Unto disaster response team is assessing areas affected by Helene and working closely with local staff members to determine the next steps. Teams are already in place to support relief efforts. If you would like to assist in or learn more about Unto’s efforts, follow this link - https://unto.com/hurricanehelenerelief/?mot=PESP38
Appalachia Service Project (ASP) is looking for financial support (raising funds to rebuild three homes fully) and to continue to mobilize volunteers as they step in to assist with disaster recovery efforts, both immediately and in the months to come. The volunteers’ hard work is helping families begin the recovery process, offering hope after so much loss. If you would like to assist in or learn more about ASP’s efforts, follow this link - https://asphome.org/helpafterhelene/
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is part of a large and dedicated community of disaster response organizations. PDA has three initial deployment teams in Tampa Bay Presbytery, Holston Presbytery (Eastern Tennessee), and Western North Carolina Presbytery. Two additional deployments are scheduled to Northeast Georgia Presbytery and Foothills Presbytery (South Carolina). In addition, PDA has sent six initial assistance grants to six Presbyteries to support unmet immediate needs and two church damage grants. They do anticipate additional grant requests. Progress is being made, but much emergency/response work needs to happen to restore essential services. The PDA asks for continued prayer for survivors, those who have experienced the loss of loved ones, and responders. If you would like to assist in or learn more about ASP’s efforts, follow this link - https://pda.pcusa.org/situation/hurricane-helene/
“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” – James 2:14-17
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