Several devastating tornadoes hit OK including an EF-5 tornado in Moore in May.  Over 5,000 homes were destroyed as well as schools, a hospital, and many businesses. The PCA churches in OK and the RUF Campus Ministers are leading the response effort. Together with MNA, they have hired a coordinator and are looking for places to house volunteers.  In addition to debris cleanup and counseling, they will be offering Sheds of Hope to those affected to store whatever they were able to salvage or accumulate since the disaster.  Check it out on Facebook at Sheds of Hope – Oklahoma Tornado Relief or at http://www.shedsofhope.com How can you help? Pray, give, go!  Pray for God’s hand in the response. Donate cash and volunteer at http://www.pcamna.org. Please no non-cash donations unless specifically requested.

I was in Granbury on 16-17 May assessing the situation following the devastating tornado, checking with N TX PCA churches on any members/regular attendees who live in that area. We didn’t have any who had any damage. On 18 and 20-21 May, I ran the Assistance Center on behalf of the TX Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) at the Church of Christ together with the Red Cross rep. The PCA is a member of the National VOAD as well as a member in a number of states. Those affected by the tornadoes could come to the Center to get city permits to get into the area, get temporary financial assistance, food, and other services from many VOAD and local agencies. Granbury was very well organized compared to many other communities. The 48 member Ministerial Alliance has been very active and is taking the lead on meeting unmet needs. Mission Granbury and the Christian Service Center have had on going programs to assist people. Hood County and Granbury are developing a Long-Term Recovery Committee (LTRC) to determine unmet needs and there have been thousands of volunteers helping..  There may be some opportunities there to volunteer in the LTRC. Grace Community PCA sent a team to work cleaning up debris one day and I’m encouraging other churches to do likewise. If someone is interested I can plug them into where ever the volunteer center is currently located. Habitat had built 60 homes, 57 of which sustained damage some total destruction so they are taking the lead to rebuild so that might also be a place where a PCA team could go.

Finished the last of the 27 Sheds of Hope we built in Spicewood TX.   Many thanks to all who donated and participated to build the storage sheds for wildfire victims.  What a great example of cooperation – PCA churches in N TX and S TX as well as local churches and organizations working together!  Give God the glory!

In Dallas on Saturday, Nov 26th, 75 people from 8 N TX Presbytery churches partially built 14 storage sheds for victims of the TX wildfires. These sheds and 6 more kits will be sent to Spicewood, TX, where S TX Presbytery churches have built 7 sheds.  The sheds give the homeowners assurance that they are on the road to recovery and it’s a great way to spread God’s love.  MNA have built over 650 Sheds of Hope across the nation since Katrina. Thanks to the volunteers and the churches and individuals who provided the funds to purchase the sheds.