Fires in Maui

Redeemer OPC in Waipahu, Hawaii, sits some 115 miles northwest and two islands away from Maui, where in the past several weeks devastating fires have killed over 115 people, left an additional 800 missing, burned more than 2,000 acres, and destroyed over 2,200 buildings, countless homes and automobiles. Redeemer OPC's pastor, Doug Watson reports that he does not have any direct connections to a need in this devastated region at this time.

Although the OPC does not anticipate having direct involvement with relief efforts, we encourage anyone who desires to join with our sister denomination, the Presbyterian Church in America's Mission to North America Disaster Response. MNA has established a means for accepting donations through their Northern California Presbytery. Gifts will be quickly channeled to the Hawaii PCA congregations as they demonstrate God’s love in many ways in Maui by bringing care and comfort to this devastated community. The Hawaii congregations, working as a team, will prioritize the needs and administer the funds by meeting the most urgent needs first.

If you desire to donate electronically, please use the link below. To donate by mail, please make your check out to "Northern California Presbytery" and send to PO Box 333, Rocklin, California 95677. 

Please pray that these efforts will open up opportunities for showing the love of Christ and to share the Gospel.

Great Students, Big Themes: English Camp in Ukraine

by OPC Missionary Heero Hacquebord

Thank you for praying!

Your prayers were instrumental in having one of the best camps yet! Students actively participated in all events, Ukrainian volunteers grew as leaders and American short-term team members were excellent teachers, roommates and examples of true Christian faith. We are especially thankful for our U.S. short-term team—primarily from Redeemer Presbyterian Church in San Antonio—who braved war conditions to serve students with Christ's love! Students enjoyed a refreshing break from the war in the unique atmosphere of summer camp and the beautiful Carpathian Mountains.

Curt Sproul (center of photo in white), member of Grace and Peace OPC in California, MD made the ten hour drive to Vermont to help muck out homes in Montpelier and Barre. Here he joins a group from the Southern Baptist Convention.

Providing Relief and Shining a Light: Vermont Flooding Update

Covenant OPC, Barre member and Vermont flood site coordinator Dan Bair reports, "It has been a good couple days here with brothers coming together to provide relief and shine some light into our neighbors' lives. It seems that each job we go to has more work to be done than anticipated which has turned out to be a good thing. Where we thought it might just be a mold spray there often is more removal of debris and affected walls and floors than previously thought.  This gives us the opportunity to interact with the homeowners more and get to know them better through work and through prayer."

This past weekend, six OPC Disaster Response volunteers from California, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Maine and Maryland came to serve by moving belongings, ripping out flood-damaged walls and spraying mold enzymes.

As colder weather approaches, Covenant OPC's Vermont effort plans to take a break, with the hopes of restarting sometime in the spring. Please stay tuned for that!