Minute for Mission: Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Blue T-Shirt Sunday

A painting by Ariana Martínez, a fourth-grade student from Safter Elementary
in Hawaii, portraying the meaning of laulima. Photo by Edwin González-
Castillo

There is a story in Mark’s Gospel about a paralyzed man who is brought to Jesus through a hole in the roof. I have come to realize after reading this story many times, that this man’s healing began not when Jesus cured his physical illness, but when four people — friends or strangers — volunteer to carry him. Facing obstacles like a crowded house and a roof to break through, they persisted with unwavering faith and care. Their actions show us that miracles often begin with determination and compassion.

As part of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance’s team, I have witnessed the resilience and selfless service of communities in the wake of disasters. No matter how different the disasters might be — hurricanes, wildfires, floods, or earthquakes, — in all of them there is a common image of God’s love made visible through the hands of volunteers — neighbors, friends, and even strangers who step up to help.

This is what communities see when our volunteers show up with their blue shirts. Whether helping communities rebuild after a disaster, assist with donations, being a ministry of presence, or providing a hot meal, volunteers embody God’s love in action. Their efforts remind us that healing begins long before physical wounds are mended.

In the aftermath of many disasters, we witnessed countless acts of love. Neighbors share food, water, and shelter. People from near and far away places show up. Strangers become family. Long after the news cameras leave, volunteers continue the long route of recovery.

As part of a solidarity visit to communities affected by the wildfires in Hawaii, I learned the term laulima, a Hawaiian word meaning many hands coming together or working together. People spoke of how neighbors and strangers joined hands during and after the disaster to provide comfort, hope, and support. Their stories mirrored the actions of the four men in Mark’s Gospel, reminding us that love and persistence can overcome any barrier.

Even in our own lives, we’ve likely experienced these modern-day miracles. Think of a time when someone extended a hand in your darkest moment — helped with bills, gave you a ride, or simply listened. Those seemingly small acts carry the transformative power of God’s love.

The miracles of God did not end with the last pages of Scripture. They continue every day through people who choose to care. Volunteers are the lifeblood of recovery, stepping into the chaos of others’ lives with faith and determination.

As we enter this time of lent, a time where we as Christians are invited to deepen our faith through prayer, reflection, and acts of service. The blue shirts are a reminder for the weeks to come that this Lenten journey we are called to be instruments of healing, compassion, outreach, and generosity. When we do, we bring hope to others and experience the joy of being part of God’s miraculous work in the world.

Let us pray for the courage to follow that that call, trusting God’s light to guide us. Through love and care, we can witness the ongoing miracles of God’s healing and grace.

Edwin Gonzalez-Castillo; Mission Coordinator; Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, Interim Unified Agency

Let us join in prayer for:

• Anisha Hackney, Manager, Human Resources, Administrative Services Group (A Corp)
• Beth Haendiges, Associate for Marketing & Client Services, Presbyterian Investment & Loan Program

Let us pray:

Loving God, we thank you for the volunteers who embody your love through acts of care and compassion. Like the friends who carried the paralyzed man, may we overcome obstacles with faith and determination, bringing hope to those in need. In disasters and daily life, remind us of the power of small miracles — moments when love and persistence transform lives. This Lenten season, guide us to be instruments of healing, compassion, and generosity. May we reflect your light in the world, sharing the joy of being part of your miraculous work. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Minute for Mission: Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Blue T-Shirt Sunday

February 18, 2024

Man in Inside: David Barnhart

One of the perks of being a PDA volunteer is getting to wear the infamous blue T-shirt. All you must do to earn a shirt is participate in PDA disaster recovery efforts. Whether you’ve been on a PDA work trip or any mission trip at all, you know how God’s Spirit stirs something within you when you when you volunteer. There’s something humbling and sacred about approaching a service opportunity with open hands and a willing heart. For some, a blue T-shirt may not mean much. But, for many, donning a blue PDA T-shirt is a symbol of pride and reminder of community resilience.

In the field of disaster recovery, a PDA blue shirt is recognizable as a symbol of compassion, love and support. The offering of time and energy from blue shirt volunteers grants people the opportunity to return to their homes after enduring devastating natural disasters. For many disaster survivors, volunteers dressed in royal blue were the reason they were able to rebuild that which was lost and embrace hope for a better future. This is why wearing a PDA T-shirt is a symbol of love and an act of faith.

Group Picture: Cameron Stevens

In English, we use faith as a noun, but in Greek, faith is a verb. Utilizing faith as a verb compels us to believe that faith is not just something we have, but rather is something that we do. As followers of Christ, we aren’t simply called to have faith; God instructs us to embody faith. Blue T-shirt volunteers live this out every time they put on this symbol of love.

To wear your PDA T-shirt on Blue T-Shirt Sunday is to celebrate the work that God is doing through disaster recovery and anticipate the work that lies ahead for volunteers and ministries of the church. To celebrate Blue T-Shirt Sunday is to invite churches to participate in the PC(USA)’s humanitarian efforts through the One Great Hour of Sharing offering.

The funds raised during Lent equip the Presbyterian Hunger Program, the Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to engage in the work that God has called this church to do. Blue T-Shirt Sunday paves the way to celebrate the work God is doing through ministries of our denomination as well as the staff and volunteers who engage together in this hard and holy work of shared ministry. 

Today, as we don our T-shirts in celebration of Blue T-Shirt Sunday, may we hold closely our own stories of volunteerism, love and compassion. May we pray and discern how God may be calling us to love our neighbors more faithfully through giving and through service.

Friends, God is challenging us all to go into the world and live out our faith: through actions and through offerings. So, my beloved siblings in Christ, go forth and serve!  

Rev. Nell M. Herring, Mission Specialist for Volunteer Ministries, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance

Today’s Focus: Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Blue T-Shirt Sunday

Let us join in prayer for:

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Andrew Browne, Executive Vice President, Board of Pensions
Vernon Broyles, Volunteer, Office of the General Assembly

Let us pray

Gracious and loving God, you equip us with compassionate hearts and willing hands. Empower us to put our faith into action. Whether we serve wearing blue T-shirts or we adorn ourselves with neighborly compassion, compel us to get to work. May we listen intently, hold carefully and respond faithfully to your call. Challenge us to live out our faith through serving your children and by providing for the ministries of your church. May we walk in the ways of your Son and be guided into action by your Spirit. Amen.