wfn.org | No Presbyterian Churches Burned in Florida;

[PCUSA NEWS <pcusa.news@ecunet.org>]

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7-July-1998 
98221 
 
    No Presbyterian Churches Burned in Florida; 
    Members Assist With Food And Shelter 
 
    by Jerry L. Van Marter 
 
LOUISVILLE, Ky.-Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) reports that 
apparently no Presbyterian churches have been burned by the wildfires that 
have torched much of northeast Florida. 
 
    PDA officials have been in frequent contact with St. Augustine and 
Central Florida Presbyteries regarding the wildfires that have destroyed 
over 500,000 acres since Memorial Day.  Area churches are concentrating 
efforts on assisting feeding stations for evacuees and firefighters as well 
as providing shelter. 
 
    While several Presbyterian churches are at risk, there have been no 
reports of property damage to date. 
 
    PDA is prepared to establish a designated account for the Florida fires 
and dispatch members of the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Team if 
needed.  "With improving conditions over the weekend and the possibility of 
significant rainfall this week, we hope and pray that the worst is over," 
PDA officials noted. 
 
    Once a preliminary damage assessment is received, PDA, in consultation 
with affected presbyteries, will determine an appropriate level of 
response.  Considering the relatively small number of homes affected, the 
response by the faith community may concentrate on more rural, isolated 
areas. 
 
(Information for this story furnished by Presbyterian Disaster Assistance) 

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