SHORT-TERM MISSIONS &
DISASTER RESPONSE

August 24, 2026

After a relatively quiet start to hurricane season across the country, the past few weeks have brought increased disaster activity. We checked in with Presbytery Diaconal Committees (PDCs) in the following affected regions to learn how OP churches are faring amid these challenges. Please pray for these brothers and sisters. Updates, as we receive them, will be posted on our social media pages and in subsequent STORM Reports.

Fires in California and Washington State

The Presbytery Diaconal Committees in the affected areas report no known needs in our churches from the fires in the region at this juncture, praise the Lord. This could change in time, so pray that these fires are contained quickly.

Earthquake in Colombia

Please pray for our brothers and sisters in western Colombia following a 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck on August 13. Early reports from those affiliated with churches in our sister denomination, the Presbyterian Church of the Reformation in Colombia (PCRC), indicate minor damage to some homes, and many are living without water and electricity. These saints are near and dear to us as just over one month ago, OPC Short-Term Missions Team Colombia served alongside these same congregations through vacation Bible school and street evangelism. Please pray for the safety of our brothers and sisters, for the restoration of essential services, and that the Lord would continue to strengthen His church as they minister in the midst of these challenges.

Flooding at Neon Reformed OPC

Please pray for the saints at Neon Reformed Presbyterian Church where heavy rains once again caused flooding on August 13. Elder Seth Long reports that several inches of water made their way inside the church building. Mucking out and sanitizing efforts began immediately and six volunteers from Princeton OPC in Johnson City, Tennessee, joined the congregation for an organized workday on Saturday, August 22. Together, they completed the cleanup in time for the church to gather for worship on Sunday, August 23. Members of Neon Reformed are very familiar with this type of event. As you may recall, Neon suffered catastrophic flash flooding in 2022, which required an extensive restoration effort involving the congregation, the Presbytery of the Southeast, and OPC Disaster Response.

Hurricane Lala Strikes Hawaii

Pastor Eli Hirtzel from Covenant Kapolei OPC in Oahu reports, "Hurricane Lala hit the Big Island hard, but here on Oahu there was little damage. Members of the church reported some water in their houses, but nothing catastrophic. Most churches closed, but we didn't see the need. We let our members decide if they thought the drive was safe. We had a sweet worship service indoors at Harbor Church West Oahu in the afternoon and the Lord was even faithful in bringing a visitor. Pray for the Big Island, I heard there was a lot of flooding in Hilo." Join us in praising the Lord for this good report. Pray for those who were impacted by Hurricane Lala and as two more storms have been predicted for the region in the coming days.

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