Response to the Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) staff are working to respond to the massive earthquake and resulting tsunami that struck Japan March 10, killing unknown numbers of people and sending tsunami waves across the Pacific.

Denominational leaders have issued a call to prayer.
“The magnitude of this kind of tragedy is difficult to grasp. Yet, our faith leads us to affirm that in even greater measure is the presence of God in the midst of the devastation,” states the call.

Yodogawa Christian Hospital in Osaka is not damaged, but sent a message.
“… our heart aches as the earthquake disasters are spreading in other parts of Japan. We are praying for God’s protection and comfort over those people in the earthquake affected areas. He is our refuge and fortress.”

“Presbyterian World Mission grieves at the loss of life from the most powerful earthquake to hit Japan in at least 100 years,” reads the denomination’s Japan country webpage. The message urges readers “to pray for those who have lost loved ones in Japan. We also urge you to pray for people in other countries affected by the tsunami.”

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) has set up a direct response account for donations. You can track our response on the PDA website at – http://gamc.pcusa.org/ministries/pda/japan/

Here’s how you can give:
1. Through our congregation. Please make checks payable to First Presbyterian Church and put “Japan” on the memo line.
2. By calling PresbyTel at (800) 872-3283,
3. On the secure PC(USA) website - http://gamc.pcusa.org/give/make-a-gift/DR000117/
4. By sending a check to:
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
P.O. Box 643700
Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700
Gifts should be designated for account DR000117 — Japan Earthquake and Tsunami.

God of earthquake, wind, and fire, tame the natural forces that defy human control, or shock us by their fury. Help us, in good times or in bad, to trust in Your mercy which never ends, and in Your power, which in Jesus stilled the storm. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Habitat for Humanity Who we are We are a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian ministry founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a decent, safe and affordable place to live. We build with people in need regardless of race or religion. We welcome volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds. What we build Our houses are simple, decent, and affordable to low-income families around the world. Whenever possible, we build sustainable, energy-efficient and healthy housing Why we build Nearly 2 billion people around the world live in slum housing and over 100 million are homeless. Habitat for Humanity is needed to help eliminate poverty by providing simple, decent shelter to those in need.Families left homeless by natural disasters, war and civil unrest often face dire housing situations as they struggle to rebuild their lives. Habitat for Humanity’s Disaster Response program provides shelter and housing solutions to help these families recover. How it’s possible Homeowners and volunteers build under trained supervision. Individuals, corporations, faith groups and others provide vital financial support. In the U.S., Habitat for Humanity lends no-profit, no-interest mortgage loans to its beneficiary families.

Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico Seminary "...to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."                                                                         -Ephesians 4 12:13      The National Presbyterian Church of Mexico The Presbyterian Church is growing very rapidly in this region.  The state of Tabasco is very unusual for the country of Mexico, as the population of this state is predominately Protestant.  The entire country is about 70% Catholic.  Currently there are about 1000 churches in the Tabasco Synod, however, they only have about 200 trained pastors to serve these churches.  Many pastors are responsible for 10 to 12 churches.  This is why this seminary is so important and vital to this area.  This is an approved project of the National Presbyterian Church of Mexico and The Outreach Foundation of the Presbyterian Church, USA. Work Groups The scope of this project encompasses design, construction, student aid, medical assistance, agricultural assistance, landscaping, promotion and administrative consultation. Work groups are welcome at the seminary and stay on campus.  Cost for a one week stay at the seminary is around $ 500.00 per person plus airfare.  Fees include cost of meals and any sightseeing activities.  Also included is the cost of purchasing materials for work group activities while at the seminary.  The cooks at the seminary are trained in preparing food for the Americans and bottled water is always used.  Housing at the seminary is air-conditioned.   Work activities involve various tasks: building construction, painting,  grounds maintenance, and gardening.  Part of the campus is devoted to agricultural use and the students are trained to grow crops.  While at the seminary, in addition to work tasks, the work groups have the opportunity to fellowship and bond with the students.  In the evenings, the groups visit various churches in the area to meet and develop a relationship with the church members.

FAITHFUL WOMEN ON THE ROAD: RUSSIA MAY 14-28, 2012

This “women only” mission trip is sponsored by The Outreach Foundation and led by Director for Partnership Development, Marilyn Borst, and PC(USA) mission co-worker in Russia, Ellen Smith. Highlights in Moscow will include visits to the Golgotha Baptist Church and the Narnia Center which publishes Christian literature for children. Sightseeing in legendary St. Petersburg will be interspersed with presentations on Russian Church History. Land cost: $1972 Visa: $225 Airfare from Atlanta: $1199 Interested? Contact Lisa Dill at 615-778-8881.