South Carolina's largest wildfire in more than three decades has destroyed dozens of homes and threatened some of the area's world-famous golf courses at the height of the spring tourist season. The area has been in drought conditions for quite some time and was already several inches below normal rainfall prior to that. The city of North Myrtle Beach is the most severely impacted.

PDA response

PDA and members of the PDA National Response Team, Doug Macdonald and Ken McKenzie, have been in contact with the Presbytery of New Harmony and the Synod of South Atlantic. In addition to being an National Response Team (NRT) member, Ken McKenzie is disaster coordinator for the Synod of South Atlantic.

News reports indicate that the fire may be close to being controlled.  Reports indicate at least 50 homes, most located at a beachfront resort west of the Intracoastal Waterway, have been lost, and several thousand families have been evacuated. It appears that the community is caring for the displaced. Hotels are available at no cost.

The fires may have impacted the Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church located in North Myrtle Beach. NRT members and presbytery leadership will be following up with the congregation and possibly attending worship services this weekend.

What you can do

You can stand in the gap for disaster survivors and help the church in this response.

GIVE.  Financial gifts are always helpful in disaster situations.  In many cases, the long-term needs are not apparent during the immediate phase of the disaster. The generous sharing of your financial blessings through the One Great Hour of Sharing offering and special designated giving for U.S. Disaster Response (DR000015) helps to ensure funds are available for a response when needed

Individuals may give through their local Presbyterian congregation, on the secure PC(USA) Web site, or by sending their check to:
 
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Individual Remittance Processing
P.O. Box 643700
Pittsburgh, PA  15264-3700

Please include the special designated giving account DR000015 – U.S. Disaster Response.

Congregations should send donations through their normal mission giving channels.

ACT. Stay informed. Sign up to receive PDA-RIN notices to alert you of additional needs.

PRAY.  Please continue in prayer for all who have been affected by the wildfires including those responding to the fires firefighters, caregivers and Presbyterian congregations in the disaster area.