OK&TX Disaster Response

Click on the “Tools” tab and checkout the tools available.   Sample presbytery and church plans, a family guide to disaster preparedness and a devotional guide for disaster response volunteers are now available – more to follow!  Also, note the presentations.  If you would like to take the disaster response lead at your church, you could give the presentations as an introduction.  Contact me for more information.

There will be a Disaster Response Workshop at Ft Worth PCA on Sat, Apr 2nd at 8:30 a.m. and one at Faith PCA in San Antonio on Sat Apr 16th at 8:30 a.m. Sign up at slanier@pcanet.org or rlenz@pcanet.org.

We are now a member of OK VOAD but we’re still looking for someone to be the permanent representative. Contact me if you’re interested.

TX Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters recently approved the membership of PCA Disaster Response. TX VOAD facilitates collaboration between agencies and provides a means for these organizations to work together in disaster response. TX VOAD is not itself a service delivery organization. Instead, it upholds the privilege of its members to independently provide relief and recovery services, while expecting them to do so cooperatively. TX VOAD is committed to the idea that the best time to train, prepare, and become acquainted with each other is prior to an actual disaster response. We had to go through a lengthy application process which included demonstrating our capacity to work well alongside other organizations in past responses. Now as a partner, we will participate on committees, conferences, have access to training events and materials, and inclusion in pertinent planning discussions on a state level with government agencies such as FEMA and TX Division of Emergency Management when appropriate.  We are still looking for someone to represent the PCA on the OK VOAD!

We were recently approved as a member of the Tarrant County Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters; this was the last item needed for TX VOAD membership. The PCA is a member in several states and is a member in the National VOAD. Through VOAD, we work with other volunteer organizations in preparing for and responding to disasters.  This is a great organization where by collaborating, coordinating, communicating, and cooperating we can meet the needs of those affected by disasters. If you would like to join a local VOAD or if you live in OK and would like to represent the PCA there, please contact me.

Presented an “Extending the Kingdom” mercy moment at Redeemer PCA in Edmond, OK on Oct. 17th. Great opportunity to worship God with them and relate to them what’s happening in disaster response in the region. After the worship service, I demonstrated the 72-hr family disaster survival kit and answered questions. I appreciated the opportunity and am available to give a similar presentation at your church.

Due to conflicting schedules of many of the Disaster Response Coordinators the workshop planned for Oct 9th has been indefinitely postponed. We regret any inconveniences this may have caused. I’m available to make presentations at your churches on organizing a disaster response team and how you might become involved as a church or individual. We have a number of resources and training options.

We will have a Disaster Response Workshop, at 8:30 a.m., Sat., Oct 9, 2010, at Town North Presbyterian, 1776 N. Plano Rd, Richardson TX.

Welcome to the South Central Region, Mission to North America Disaster Response!  We’re excited about this new tool to spread the awareness on what we are doing to respond to disasters in Oklahoma and Texas as well as the opportunities for your involvement.  You’ll be able to connect through Facebook and Twitter, take advantage of new ways to find out about disaster response projects and let us know if we can provide help and expertise following a disaster. Please let us know your ideas on improving the site.