any of us have been following the news of the devastation wrought by the wildfires in Southern California. Some know these places in one way or another as home, some have friends and loved ones directly affected, and many have a heart for the areas impacted. While it is hard to know the long-term picture, our response now and always as people of faith is to Give, to Act and to Pray. In the wake of such destructive disasters in the past, we have offered that Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is an arm of the Presbyterian Church (USA) designed specifically to both respond in the immediate and in the long-term for communities. PDA has released emergency grants to meet the urgent needs of the affected communities and to provide immediate care. You may support their work by Giving directly through the organization by clicking here.

In this time when it is hard to know how else to Act, we can Pray: God, our refuge and strength, you are an ever-present help in trouble. You see the devastation caused by the California wildfires. You hear the cries of loss and know the exhaustion of those waiting and helping. For those forced to flee, grant rest. For those fighting fires, grant strength. For those mourning, grant comfort. For those still in danger, grant protection. May your Church be a presence of hope. In Christ’s name, Amen (PCUSA). To learn more about the PDA efforts to help with this disaster, click here.