As Hurricane Isaac prepares to move ashore on the Gulf Coast and across a significant portion of the eastern United States, we find refuge in the words of Isaiah 43:
Do not fear, I have redeemed you.
I have called you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters
I will be with you.
I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
Together we call the church to pray for those in the path of the storm, and for those who will be among the first to respond:
Lord God, our refuge and strength,
be with us when the waters rise.
Reach out to those who are sinking,
and help those who help others,
so that we may stand together
when the storm subsides,
singing thanks and praise;
through Jesus Christ our Savior.
For information on how you can join other Presbyterians in responding to the hurricane, visit the website of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.
Neal D. Presa, Moderator of the 220th General Assembly (2012)
Gradye Parsons, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly
Linda Bryant Valentine, Executive Director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency