Give to Disaster Relief--USA Disasters & Emergencies
Your faithful giving is deeply appreciated.
Situation Report
Arizona Fires
June 13, 2011: For the past several weeks, the Wallow fire has been burning out of control in eastern Arizona. As of Saturday, June 12, it was reported that more than 386,000 acres (over 600 square miles) of timber in rugged terrain and prairie land have been burned. With only five percent of the fire contained, it is expected that this will be the largest wildfire in Arizona’s history.
Even as progress is being made to control this blaze, it comes in the seasonal cycle right before the area’s annual monsoon rains. With no foliage to absorb and channel the water flow, the impact of this fire is expected to be compounded with flooding and mudslides before long (July-August).
Area most effected
To date, 11,000 residents in the communities of Springerville, Eager, Alpine, Nutrioso and Greer have been evacuated. 29 residences have been destroyed — 22 of those in the community of Greer, Arizona. The fire threatens the electrical distribution area of the region, and it is expected that rolling blackouts will impact Arizona, New Mexico, and west Texas.
There are two Presbyterian congregations located in the affected area: Alpine and Springerville. It is believed that a small out-building at the Alpine Church was burned, but that the sanctuary building was spared. The Grand Canyon Presbytery and the Presbytery de Cristo own a summer camp, Camp Montlure, located in Greer, that has suffered substantive damage with the loss of several cabins and support buildings. Full assessments cannot be completed, but it is believed that both churches and the camp will have damage from smoke pollution.
This fire has happened at the beginning of the summer camping season; even as a camp organization has scrambled to continue its ministry at a location in another part of the state, there has been an emotional burden for a community of young adult camp leaders.
PDA response
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance has provided One Great Hour of Sharing funds to help Grand Canyon Presbytery in its response to the fires. In addition, members of the National Response Team have been in the area.
What you can do
You can stand in the “GAP” for disaster survivors and help the church in this response.
GIVE. The generous sharing of your financial blessings through the One Great Hour of Sharing offering and special designated giving provides the resources needed to assist with immediate emergency needs, clean up provisions, long-term and unmet needs, and spiritual/emotional counseling.
Individuals may give online, or through their local Presbyterian congregation, on the secure PC(USA) Web site or by sending their check to:
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
P.O. Box 643700
Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700
Please include the special designated giving account DR000015 – U.S.A. Disasters and Emergencies.
Congregations should send donations through their normal mission giving channels.
ACT. Stay informed and share information about the need with others. Sign up to receive PDA Rapid Information Network (PDA-RIN) email notices to alert you of additional needs. Assemble Gift of the Heart Clean Up Buckets for needs around the United States.
PRAY.
The Grand Canyon Presbytery asks for continued prayer for all those those displaced, those providing emergency assistance, and those battling at the firelines. Prayers are specifically requested for:
- Pastors and spiritual leaders in the affected area.
- Camp leadership (director, staff and board).
- The Sessions of the two affected churches.
- The general populations of the affected communities.