Bushfire tragedy: how you can help

The Presbyterian Church has launched an appeal to raise funds to support congregations affected by the Victorian bushfires. Moderator General of the PCA, Robert Benn, is urging congregations to donate to the appeal and also to pray for the victims of the fires which swept through Victoria at the weekend.

“Although Presbyterian congregations in the main escaped with little damage, and no loss of life is recorded amongst our membership, some have suffered the loss of life in their wider circle of family and friends, and some have had their homes destroyed,” he said.

“Presbyterian Church of Victoria Moderator Douglas Robertson and Assembly Clerk John Wilson have been in touch with ministers in most of the places most affected by the bushfires including Whittlesea minister Evan Prentice congregation and Neil Chambers whose congregation was evacuated from the ESA Campsite in Marysville shortly before it was destroyed by fire.”

Mr Robertson said the Church had been deluged with offers of assistance.

“Of course we can pray, we must always pray, but James the brother of our Lord reminds us that we must also look for practical and immediate ways to help,” he said. “If a brother or sister is ill-clad and in lack of daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace and be warmed and filled', without giving them the things needed for the body, what does it profit?" (2:15 RSV).  

“To this end we are working with Church Offices to establish a fund which we propose to use in two ways: (1) for the minister at Whittlesea to distribute at his discretion in consultation with an advisory committee, and (2) for the Red Cross appeal being promoted by the government.”

Anyone wishing to make a contribution should make cheques payable to “Presbyterian Church of Victoria” and send them to 156 Collins St, Melbourne 3000 with an indication that the money is for “Victorian Bushfire Relief”.