October 11, 2016

Dear Sister and Brothers:
 
     Hurricane Mathew has come and gone, and many are left in a state of devastation and shock. Not only did Matthew cause havoc on our land, but approximately 1,000 lives were lost in Haiti, which translates to the necessity of using mass graves, and the rise of cholera.  Our prayers and resources are needed to assist all those in need!
 
On October 15, 2016 Rev. Tom Vencuss, NYAC Disaster Response Coordinator, who served three years in Haiti as UMCOR response coordinator, will meet with the Metropolitan District Council on Ministries and provide leadership for the next steps.  We were planning to discuss specific dates to respond to West Virginia and Louisiana’s needs, but now our goals have expanded. There is also an ERT Basic Training day on October 15 at 9:00am at Mount Kisco.
 
Those interested in volunteering in the district’s response efforts should notify the following lay associates:

Sister Tiffany French is serving as the Lay Leader for the district, her email address is tiffanymfrench@gmail.com.
 
Let us hold on to the words of the psalmists:
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult.” Psalm 46: 1-3

In the midst of natural disasters, God is still with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Let us continue to cling to the one who can revive our soul and bring comfort for the days ahead. My prayer is that God will use us as agents of healing. 
 
In faith,

Denise Smartt Sears