Give to Disaster Relief--USA Disasters & Emergencies
Your faithful giving is deeply appreciated.
Extreme Heat and Storms
Situation
Violent storms with rain, hail and high winds affected 14 states over the weekend of June 30-July 1. Maryland, West Virginia, Ohio, the District of Columbia and Virginia were the states most affected. About 3 million people were left without power and at least thirteen people are reported dead.
First Presbyterian Church in Cambridge, Ohio, received significant damage during a storm Friday night, June 29, that left Ohio Gov. John Kasich declaring a state of emergency and seeking federal disaster aid. Cambridge is a city of about 11,000 people in southeast Ohio. It’s within the bounds of Muskingum Valley Presbytery. A Presbyterian News Service article on this disaster is online.
First Presbyterian Church of Cambridge, Ohio, before and after its sanctuary was destroyed on June 29. Thanks to the FPC Cambridge and Dick McClain for the photos.
In addition to the damage most often seen by storms, several states in the affected areas have been experiencing triple-digit heat indexes as well as power outages caused by the storms. The heat is a significant threat, especially since power outages make the use of air conditioning or fans impossible.
Throughout much of the country, officials urged people with health problems or without air conditioning to visit public places like libraries and town halls. However, in many places that wasn't possible, as at least 4 million customers from Ohio to Virginia had no electricity because of downed trees and power lines, the report said.
Response
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is making One Great Hour of Sharing funds and members of the PDA National Response Team available to help in the response and recovery efforts in all of the affected areas. A response is already being formulated for the Muskingum Valley Presbytery in Ohio.
The outpouring of support after a disaster means a great deal to those who are struggling in the midst of on-going chaos. As you faithfully stand in the GAP with communities affected by disaster, you are helping to make a difference and bringing hope.
How you can help
Give. You can help in this response through your financial gifts to DR000015 – U.S.A. Disasters and Emergencies.
Act: Read suggestions on how congregations can help during extreme heat conditions. 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.
Pray: Please pray for the people and communities impacted by the extreme heat and storms; for emergency and other personnel who are offering assistance; and that through the response of the faith community, those impacted by the disasters will be reminded of the faithful hope found in Christ.
