They say God works in mysterious ways. We say who are you calling mysterious?

If compassion had a color it would be the bright blue shirts of Presbyterian Disaster Assistances many volunteers and donors. In countless emergencies, we are there, making the presence of Christ visible by delivering physical, emotional and spiritual assistance in times of crisis to the most vulnerable based on need.

What you can expect from this program 1.What is PCUSA/PDA? 2.What is JCPDA?

3. How you can help disaster relief

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance enables congregations and mission partners of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) to witness to the healing love of Christ through caring for communities adversely affected by crisis and catastrophic events.

Funded by One Great Hour of Sharing and donations from individuals and churches

Help the neediest, most vulnerable and marginalized in disaster response

Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these you did it to me. Matthew 25:40

Responds to International Natural Disasters and Humanitarian Crises Darfur, Sudan March 2009 PDA continues to provide assistance in Darfur

Kenya famine and drought. PDA assists through designated funds with agriculture, livestock, health, nutrition, water and food

Natural and Human Caused Disasters in the US

Flooding in the North Dakota, March 2009

Flooding in Cedar Rapids, IA Summer 2008

Tornadoes

Greensburg, KS tornado damage 2007

HurricanesKatrina, Rita, Ike, Gustav all in 3 years on the Gulf Coast

Church firesare you prepared for the unexpected?

PDA acknowledges that all disasters are LOCAL. Works with Presbytery and Synods to determine need. Volunteers are the basis of recovery efforts. The BLUE SHIRTS

1. National Response Teamsfirst on the ground to help determine damage. 2. Through Presbyteries, up to $10,000 can be requested by churches for immediate needs after disasters 3. Determine through local Presbytery and Synod the need for PDA Villages 4. Provide volunteer assistance in

5. Focuses on the long term recovery of disaster impacted communities. 6. Provides training and disaster preparedness for presbyteries and synods. 7. Works collaboratively with church partners and members of the ACT Alliance (Action by Churches Together) internationally, and nationally with other faith based

Connects partners locally and internationally with key organizations active in the response United Nations, NVOAD (National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster), World Food Program, Red Cross, FEMA and others.

Manages a number of specialized volunteer teams to work nationally and internationally providing consultation, program design and training.

Cooperates with Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services in providing service structure for asylum seekers in the United States.

Cooperates with Church World Service in the resettlement of refugees to the United States

What is JCPDA?

John Calvin Presbytery Disaster Assistance

What do we do?

1. Respond to PDA need for volunteers in rebuilding disaster areas 2. Recruit volunteers from churches in the Presbytery to go on mission work trips 3. Facilitate churches that want to form their own mission work group to aid in disaster assistance

4. Promote the work of PDA and JCPDA. 5. Encourage financial support locally and to One Great Hour of Sharing

Helping out in Bay St. Louis, MS

Damage from Katrina

Four trips to Bay St. Louis, MS

Bay St. LouisFirst of the week

End of the weeksame room

Assistance after flooding in Chanute, Iola, & Erie Kansas

Chanute, KS

Several trips made to Kansas after floods and ice storms

Rebuilding in Iola, KS

Rebuilding in Cedar Rapids IA

Four houses, sixteen people, helping return homes and lives to a new normal

Lake Charles , Louisiana

One house, fifteen volunteers from JCPDA and 11 college folks from Illinois

Many jobs completed

Many jobs still left as we pass the baton to the next crew

One house brought closer to a new normal

Dreams kept alive, lives shared, joy given and received. We are blessed.

What can you or your church do to be part of PDA(PCUSA) and JCPDA to fulfill Christs mission of helping those in need?

JCPDA is a mission of the John Calvin Presbytery that works with PDA(PCUSA) and involves all churches. Participation is encouraged on any level for each church or individual.

1.Pray for work teams and their endeavors 2.Pray for the mission of helping others in need

3. Form a mission work team from your church. JCPDA can facilitate your doing this. 1. Consider joining a work team

5. Send your donations to ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING 6. Support JCPDA financially through your mission committee

7. In addition to mission work teams, JCPDA sponsors other endeavors such as the Bucket Drive last December. Be watching for another Bucket Drive coming soon and participate.

Future endeavors of JCPDA: Prepare a Presbytery Disaster Plan Encourage and help churches have their own disaster plan

DISASTER IS NOT A QUESTION OF IF, BUT WHEN.

Working together to restore lives, families, and hope.