Posts By: cameronstevens

Stories of Light in the Midst of the Darkness

The past few months have seen intense focus on the United States/Mexico border as the latest so-called migrant caravan approached, with some predicting mass riots and chaos that seemed in direct contrast to the thousands of people peacefully awaiting their chance to present for asylum. This past weekend, however, the growing desperation and frustration of… Read more »

Called To Help

In the spotlight since its mobilization in early October, the migrant caravan continues to receive media attention as it moves toward the U.S./Mexico border. Estimated numbers of the group hover around 7,000, including families—UNICEF estimates the group contains at least 2,300 children—all seeking asylum within the United States. While the story of the caravan is… Read more »

Separated Families and U.S./Mexico Border Update

Border Arrivals The number and demographics of Central American asylum seekers coming to the U.S. border through Mexico have been shifting over the past several years, at a time when the overall number of people approaching the southern border is down. One of the most significant changes was the increased number of young families, primarily… Read more »

PDA and PC(U.S.A.) at the U.S./Mexico border

Have you been wondering what is really going on at the southern U.S. border and how you can help? Below is information about how not only Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is responding, but also the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) as a whole.

World Refugee Day 2018

World Refugee Day is celebrated on June 20th every year. It is a time for remembrance, prayer, celebration and commitment.  

Puerto Rico Update: May 2018

A summary of our response in Puerto Rico thus far: Presbyterian Disaster Assistance has disbursed grants totaling over $1.5 million in Puerto Rico 8 emergency grants to all three presbyteries and the synod  church damage grants to help with repairs of churches conducted a PDA leadership solidarity visit in November to churches in the three… Read more »

Refugee Arrivals: A Failing Report Card

U.S. Refugee Resettlement Update: March 2018 By Susan Krehbiel, PDA Catalyst for Refugees and Asylum The impact of new U.S. Government policies and procedures related to the resettlement of refugees into the United States has been severe. Faced with the largest humanitarian displacement in modern times, the U.S. Government set the lowest resettlement target since… Read more »

The Dayton Film Forum: A Community Engagement Model

Are you interested in hosting screenings and conversations on relevant and timely issues in your community or congregation? We are excited to share a new video resource that focuses on a film forum that was developed in Dayton, Ohio using our films Locked in a Box and To Breathe Free to discuss issues around immigration… Read more »

In the aftermath of the Parkland, FL shooting

On February 16th, two days after the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, PDA National Response Team (NRT) members trained in responding to public violence arrived in the Presbytery of Tropical Florida to provide a ministry of presence. The NRT members joined the Presbytery for a community vigil and lead a discussion… Read more »

Blue Shirt Sunday is February 18th!

The first Sunday in Lent (February 18, 2018) is designated “Wear your blue t-shirt to church Sunday” as a testament of one of the ways One Great Hour of Sharing makes a difference.  King David sang, “You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy…” (Psalm 30:11)  Thousands… Read more »