Help Pakistan Flood Victims
 The torrential rains and flooding that struck Pakistan in recent weeks continue. There is now an estimated 1,600 dead and about 1.5 million people are now homeless. Pakistan officials say that 14 million people are affected.The floods, which began in the northern parts of country, have spread to four provinces covering about 82,000 square miles. (Pakistan's total square miles: 340,132.) Most affected are the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Punjab and Sindh.
The floods hit as the country continues to struggle to recover from five years of successive disasters. In 2005, a massive earthquake devastated parts of Pakistan. 2006 and 2007 brought floods that claimed lives, destroyed homes and killed livestock. In 2008, another powerful earthquake rendered thousands homeless in Balochistan at the onset of winter, and in 2009 millions were displaced as a result of conflict between the Pakistan military and militants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Waziristan. Throughout these disasters, droughts and water shortages have also plagued the region, crippling its agricultural system and food supply.
Presbyterian Response:With thousands still living in makeshift shelters, still trying to recover from previous disasters, food and shelter are the most urgent needs. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) has been working quickly with our ecumenical partners on the ground to distribute essential aid to families and deliver critical relief to people affected by this crisis. Assistance includes food and non-food relief items, emergency shelter and basic health services. In cooperation with other ACT Alliance members on the ground, the emergency distribution of relief items including shelter items and food packages have reached 155,200 people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. ACT members and our long-term ecumenical partner in Pakistan Church World Service (CWS) are working to reach even more. CLICK HERE to help.
Great Bridge Presbyterian Church supports missions throughout the world:
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Why does GBPC send people to other areas when there are needs right here in Chesapeake?
 GBPC is active in many local service initiatives, including the distribution of food through the food closet and Thanksgiving food bags, Habitat for Humanity, AIDS Hospice meals, Meals on Wheels, etc. But we believe the body of Christ knows no communal or national boundaries, and that God has called us to go into the world and preach the gospel to all nations, to all ethnicities, so it is important for us to form partnerships with people in need around the world. Our hearts are enlarged and our eyes opened to gain a new understanding of God’s world and our responsibility to those in need. |
2010 Mission Trips:
Summer Dates TBA, Youth Pilgrimage, Washington, DC
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Why send people, when the money it costs for people to go on a trip could go to those missions instead?
The marks of discipleship “arms of love” and “spirit of servanthood and stewardship” imply opportunities for hands-on, active involvement in ministering to those in need. Our presence as a Christian witness in the places we go is an encouragement to the missionaries and the people they minister to. It also provides opportunities for God to grow our faith and draw us into closer relationship with Him. Peoples’ lives have literally been transformed through their participation on a mission trip.
Can I support the ministry even though I may be unable to go on a trip?
There are many ways to be active in these trips while serving on the “home team,” from financial and prayer support to other hands-on ways of helping the teams as they prepare and go on their trips. |
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