Dear Friends,
I have been shocked as we all have to see the desperate affects of Tropical Cyclone Pam on the islands of Vanuatu.
There has been widespread damage and at this stage it is feared high loss of life.
The Presbyterian Church of Australia has a unique relationship with the Church in Vanuatu, we have a long history of Ni Vanuatuan students training for ministry in Australia, and have had a strong connection with the Bible Training College in Talua.
At this stage we dont know of about loss at Talua, the worst impact of the cyclone was in the south, whereas Talua is in the north.
Please pray for Vanuatu, pray for relief to be provided, pray that there will be selfless rescue and generous love shown both from those on the ground in Vanuatu and neighbouring nations.
The Australian Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop has said that our nation is responding along with New Zealand with immediate aid.
Here is an opportunity for the church to be in the vanguard of the relief effort, I therefore urge all Ministers and Sessions to bring this need before your congregations both for prayer and financial gifts.
Cheques should be made payable to
Moderator General’s Disaster Relief Appeal
and remitted to
Presbyterian Church Office, PO Box 2196, Strawberry Hills, NSW.2012.
The Direct Deposit details for the Moderator General’s Disaster Relief Appeal Fund are:
BSB: 032-000
Account number: 003988
Account Name: Presbyterian Funds
Please write the word ‘Vanuatu Appeal’ in the ‘Description’ box on the bank transfer page.
Doing this this way we express in a tangible way our solidarity with our suffering brothers and sisters.
Message from Mark Powel, PCNSW Moderator
“The Presbyterian Church of Australia and in particular NSW has had a long and strategic involvement with the work of the Gospel in Vanuatu. In this their hour of need we have an incredible opportunity to help our brothers and sisters in Christ in rebuilding their communities. Please give generously to this appeal, pray for the wise distribution of funds and also prayerfully consider how you or your church might personally be involved in the future.”
“But just as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us – see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” 2 Corinthians 8:7
David Cook.
Moderator General, Presbyterian Church of Australia
