There is a lot going on for OPC Disaster Response. Please pray for these efforts and help, as you are able:
Hurricane Helene
Clyde Huffman lost his brother and his home, all within hours of the devastating arrival of Hurricane Helene to western North Carolina in late September. Sadly, his story isn't rare. OPC Disaster Response effort site coordinator Jimmy Laughridge, along with local volunteers, began pouring the footers for the first "Chalmers Home" this past week, after a two-week weather delay. Meanwhile, Landis OPC pastor, Johnny Serafini and elder Mike Cloy have been visiting each to read the Bible and pray with them. So far, six families have been identified to receive homes. This effort is currently looking for volunteers to help with block foundation and framing.
Hurricane Milton
We are grateful to share that all three families (Maynors, Staytes and Halleys) from Bay Haven OPC in Tampa, FL impacted by Hurricane Milton in early October are receiving excellent care and support from their church family. The Maynor family is temporarily living in a rented home while working with their insurance company and local deacons to restore their damaged home. The Stayte family is scheduled to move back into their home soon, as repairs are nearly completed. Donations to Bay Haven have helped all three families secure temporary housing and other needs. Pastor Dan Halley's home, which sustained the most damage with six inches of water flooding the first floor, will be the focus of the disaster response effort. The Halley family is currently residing in a rental home while permits are being secured, and restoration plans are formulated. Volunteers will be needed in early March to assist with drywall repair, painting, and finish carpentry. Please consider how you can lend a hand.
California Wildfires
The Lord continues to watch over and protect the OP Church families in Southern California from the relentless wildfires that persist in the Los Angeles area. Pray for Matt Cotta, pastor of Pasadena OPC, the congregation closest in proximity to the fires, as he and other church members explore ways to help their neighbors in need. OPC Disaster Response stands ready to help by establishing a fund and/or provide volunteers to help with cleanup, if and when the needs become known. We are also keeping in contact with Mission to North America Disaster Response (PCA), who has reported some congregant homes destroyed.
Crates for Ukraine
People are weary as the war continues in Ukraine, "But [the church] keeps moving forward. In the midst of the darkness the light of the gospel shines brighter," MTW Country director Doug Shepherd reminds listeners on their monthly update. Crates for Ukraine 4.0 has acquired nearly $560,000 worth of supplies (5 tons) and packed them among 180 crates so far. (The value of each crate is greater than in previous iterations.) These supplies are being used to provide for those displaced by the war. This iteration is ongoing, and if you would like to participate, or make a monetary donation, please visit their site to get more information.
Find out more about these efforts: OPCDisasterResponse.org
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