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October 21, 2024
Dear Friends:
I am writing again to advise of you of an important opportunity for direct engagement with key leaders in our denomination’s Hurricane Helene disaster recovery efforts through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA).
On Thursday, October 31st, (yes, Halloween), a delegation from PDA’s headquarters will be touring affected areas of Watauga and Ashe counties and meeting with local church leaders. Members of the delegation will include:
- Rev. Denise Anderson, Director of Compassion, Peace,& Justice - Presbyterian Mission Agency,
- Rev. Edwin González-Castillo, Director - PDA, and
- Rev. James Kirk, Associate for National Disaster Response – PDA.
The delegation’s tour will conclude with an open meeting with all interested church leaders from throughout Salem Presbytery to discuss PDA’s disaster response and long-term planning for recovery efforts in Salem Presbytery and all affected areas of our region. This meeting will take place at 3:30-5:00 pm at North Wilkesboro Presbyterian Church, 804 E Street, in North Wilkesboro. Any Salem Presbytery church interested in hearing about PDA and their long-term recovery planning process and resource needs is strongly encouraged to send representatives to the October 31st meeting in North Wilkesboro. To assist the host church’s meeting logistics, please register for this meeting using the registration link provided below so that we can have an accurate headcount of those planning to attend.
I am pleased to report that PDA has already awarded two grants to the Salem totaling $12,500 to assist our mountain congregations in their outreach, recovery, and rebuilding work. We give thanks to God for this show of generosity on the part of our denomination and all Presbyterians who have lifted us in our prayers.
Included in this demonstration of unity in Christ are heartfelt communications of prayerful support from the Presbyterian Church of Taiwan as they undergo recovery from their own disaster in the wake of Typhoon Krathon. I have attached their letter which was directed to us from our PCUSA General Assembly Stated Clerk, Rev. Jihyun Oh.
As our denomination and our world hold us in their prayers, please continue to do so for our churches in Ashe and Watauga counties:
- Baird’s Creek
- First, Boone
- Glendale Springs
- Lansing
- Laurel Fork
- Mount Jefferson
- Rumple Memorial
May we continue to live into the hope of a new day of Christ Jesus’ love and witness!
In Christ’s name,
Tony De La Rosa
Executive Presbyter
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