Dear Homestead,
In the book of Isaiah, writing to the heartbroken exiles in Babylon who had witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple before being deported to another country, the prophet said:
Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in. (Isaiah 58:12)
I write to say thank you, for your gifts to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance means that you, too, deserve the title of Repairer of the Breach. Your gift, along with those of many other Presbyterians, brings the tangible resources for recovery and rebuilding to those whose homes and livelihoods have been swept away by floods, tornadoes, mudslides, and other disasters from Peru to the Philippines, and here at home, literally from sea to shining sea. Your generosity has made it possible for refugee children from Syria to attend school in Lebanon, has put food, clean water and shelter over the heads of citizens of South Sudan who have been forced by famine and violence to flee their homes and villages and subsist in miserable conditions in camps around the capital city of Juba, Your care has enabled seed projects from to begin and be sustained in Haiti, West Africa, Malawi, and Kenya, so that families still recovering from storms from the effects of drought and flood can restore their dignity and ability to be self-supporting. We at PDA have so much gratitude that together, we have been privileged to offer a visible sign of God's healing and care. Through your generous gift to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, you have spoken the language of love in a tangible, impactful way, offering a gift that helps bring renewed hope and joy to those individuals and communities suffering from disaster and its aftermath.
It is a privilege to serve together in a Church that takes seriously the mandate of Jesus--that
whatever you have done to the lease of these, you have done for me.
In Christ's peace,
The Rev. Dr. Laurie A Kraus
Director, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
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Weather Woes
Hurricane Harvey struck the Texas coast late
Friday
, bringing lashing rain and sustained winds of 130 miles per hour. Even as its force has waned, Harvey has brought historic flooding, forcing rivers and streams from their banks, submerging homes, churches, businesses and roads, stranding thousands of people. Your gifts are urgently needed now to support the communities devastated by this historic storm and those throughout the Gulf region who are still in the path of Harvey's torrential rains. Any money donated will help in all the summer storms and earthquakes in North America. Donations can be placed Here.
"Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it."
- Song of Solomon 8:7
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Presbyterians Help Rock the Block in Lyons
Spearheaded by the Presbyterians in Burt County and including other churches in an ecumenical witness, through Habitat for Humanity they have completed two successful events in the Burt County Rock the Block series. In the most recent round some 25 area volunteers proceeded to the 3 work areas.
The first house needed their front deck painted. A second house had both the lattice work around the house's crawlspace and the front screen door replaced. The third residence was in need of a complete paint job.
Photo courtesy of Pastor Gregg Gahan
Said Habitat chapter president, Rev. Gregg Gahan, pastor of Craig Presbyterian Church, "The project was a big success. We weren't able to completely finish, so we gathered the following Saturday with even more volunteers."
Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit housing organization. They work all across the United States, as well as in 70 countries around the world. In addition to Rock the Block events, Habitat engages in new construction, renovation of existing housing, as well as advocating for decent housing for all.
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Backrow: Dr. J.Herbert Nelson, GA Stated Clerk, Dr. Richard Wyatt, Homestead Executive, Joan Bergland, commissioner,
Front row: Elona Street Stewart, Synod Executive, Dr. Annika Lister Stroope, commissioner, and Rev. April Davis Campbell, Synod Moderator and formerly under care of Homestead Presbytery.
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Who's Who in the Homestead Presbytery
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