In the latest annual report from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Rev. Edwin González-Castillo explains how a time-honored proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,” captures the heart of PDA.
“In every disaster we respond to, we do not go alone,” the PDA director notes in a letter of gratitude that opens the report. “We go together — with communities, congregations, mid councils and partners — as we respond to disasters.”
The 2024 “Mosaic: Year in Review” highlights that collaborative work, which has included supporting “communities throughout their recovery journeys, from war zones to towns devastated by wildfire and storms to the paths of asylum seekers.”
With a plethora of maps and photos, partner stories, eye-opening statistics and a sleek new format, Mosaic reveals “how our presence transforms us when we choose collective journeys,” González-Castillo said. “Through these pages, we celebrate God’s grace expressed in the generosity of donors, the commitment of the staff and volunteers, and the resilience of our communities."
The report, now available online, is designed not only to introduce PDA to long-time supporters but also to share the breadth of the ministry’s work to church and community members who might not know much about what PDA does and how it operates. The impact is told through PDA partners, whose voices are reflected in greater number this year.
“The report presents narratives that highlight resilience together with transformation and sacred accompaniment and illustrates how dignity becomes affirmed while grief is honored and hope experiences rebuilding,” González-Castillo said.
For those who read the report and are inspired to join forces with PDA, here are some ways to come alongside the ministry:
- Stay informed and make sure your congregation knows what PDA is up to by following PDA on social media.
- Volunteer to rebuild after disasters.
- Host a screening of one of the documentary resources from PDA’s story ministry, Counter Stories Productions.
- Assemble Gift of the Heart Kits.
- Apply to serve on the National Response Team.
- Participate in the 2026 Blue Shirt Sunday, the first Sunday in Lent.
- Make recurring or one-time donations.
A few printed copies of Mosaic will be available later this year, but it is primarily an online product. To learn more about the resource and PDA, go here.
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is one of the Compassion, Peace & Justice ministries of the Interim Unified Agency of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
Darla Carter, Communications Strategist, Interim Unified Agency (Click here to read original PNS Story)
Let us join in prayer for:
Rebecca Barnes, Manager, Presbyterian Hunger Program, Interim Unified Agency
Cheryl Barnes, Manager, US Global Ecumenical Liaisons, Interim Unified Agency
Let us pray:
Gracious God, giver of every good and perfect gift, thank you for calling us to your service. Help us to be cheerful in using your gifts to us for the common good of others — to your glory. Amen.
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