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Disaster Relief

DISASTER RELIEF MINISTRY helps devastated communities with the rebuilding of homes and communities after natural disasters strike. Teams of volunteer labor, skill, and supplies provide aid, accompanied by experienced leadership, with a commitment to competent workmanship, and working through a connection with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) or other disaster relief agencies as available.

Members

Brown Pearson, moderator
Jonathan Barton
Matt Briggs
Stan Parcell

Recovery Assistance Trip Planned to Augusta, Georgia

The devastation of Helene and Milton has brought destruction to many unsuspecting victims all up and down the eastern seaboard. Pearson Brown, moderator of POJ's Disaster Relief Mission Team is putting a group together to help with the recovery for a home in Augusta, GA that was crushed by a huge tree during Hurricane Helene.

After visiting, assessing the job, and ordering replacement trusses for the roof, the team decided to make this home the job for its next trip. This location is just over six hours from Richmond and will be significantly warmer.

The upcoming mission trip is structured into two separate weeks to ensure steady progress on the home. Volunteers may participate in the first week, the second week, or both. The trips will take place from February 23 to March 1, 2025, and March 2 to March 8, 2025, with 6-8 participants needed each week.

The team seeks able-bodied individuals willing to contribute, regardless of skill level. Every effort will make a meaningful impact on a community in need.

Accommodations will include a facility with a kitchen, and meals will be self-prepared. A designated cook may be arranged, or meal preparation can be divided among participants. Volunteers must bring air mattresses and sleeping bags.

This mission offers the opportunity to witness tangible progress on a home, gain new skills, and experience one of the most rewarding opportunities of a lifetime.

Those interested in joining or referring others should email Brown Pearson or Stan Parcell or by calling Stan at 804-445-3040 as soon as possible.

For new participants, a mandatory training session will be held on February 12, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, at 2847 Rams Crossing, North Chesterfield, VA 23236. This hands-on meeting will cover trip logistics, necessary supplies, and safety protocols, so attendees should wear work clothes.

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Can't Join a Trip In Person? Give Financial Support

Your financial gift helps cover expenses incurred by the ministry's relief trips. These include supplies, food, travel, and lodging. Donations may be made to the presbytery's Disaster Relief Ministry or to the disaster relief mission fund of Southminster Church (which provides logistics and accounting services for the trips).

Past Projects

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Rebuilding after Disaster

Wauchula, Florida, May 2023

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Hurricane Ian Relief

Little Gasparilla Island, Florida, October 2022

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Installation of New Covenant Church Bell at Camp Hanover

Camp Hanover, May 2021

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Bridge and Boardwalk

Camp Hanover, September-October 2020

Barry Rae (left) and Betty Williams work together to remove rotted wood

Faith in Action

Ocracoke Island, NC, October 2019

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Letter of Thanks

New Bern, NC, October 2018

Debris piled outside homes illustrates the extent of the destruction the relief team encountered on their previous trips to the area.

Report From the Field

New Bern, NC, October 2018