Last October, Crossroads Community Church in Upper Darby PA held its annual Kids’ Fair on Halloween night. As with many church events, the children and their parents enjoyed a safe, fun night of treats and games, as well as a simple presentation of the Gospel. Unlike events at all but a handful of PCA churches, the Crossroads event included kids from dozens of countries around the world. “It was like a mini United Nations!” laughs Pastor Tim Witmer.

Home to over 100 ethnic cultures, Upper Darby draws many people for its affordable housing and easy access to Philadelphia. As part of its intention to serve the people groups of their neighborhood, Crossroads changed its name from J.R. Miller Memorial when Witmer arrived 25 years ago. “Our community is at an ethnic crossroads,” explains Tim, “and our primary purpose is to meet people at the crossroads of life with the Gospel.”

“Developing a diverse and supportive leadership is one of the most important steps a church can take in multicultural ministry,” Tim stresses. Along with Minister of Pastoral Care Dave Van Meerbeke, who handles most of the

day-to-day happenings, Crossroads has African American, Liberian and Indian leadership. Liberian pastoral assistant William Jarwood has launched an Immigrant Welcome Ministry, which provides support for first-generation immigrants from twenty nations, and the ministry is still growing.

“Our congregants have worked enthusiastically to get to know their neighbors and establish ministries that serve their needs,” says Tim. VBS and Pioneer Clubs are offered for kids. A first-time homeowner’s workshop conducted by the township was held at Crossroads last Fall, and a free College Planning Workshop has recently been offered.

English as a Second Language classes are taught five days a week. The church also provides financial and human resources to Amnion Ministries, a neighborhood crisis pregnancy center.

In 25 years Crossroads has grown from 40 congregants to nearly 350, about half of whom are non-Anglo. “Last Spring the Lord enabled us to complete a new building addition right in the middle of a federal Weed and Seed zone. This will allow us to grow in our ability to serve this needy community. The message that the Gospel changes lives transcends cultures from all over the globe. It takes time and the faithfulness of God’s people to keep sowing—the harvest will come.”

Multiply • Spring 2012

MNA Disaster Response:Growing Ministries for Growing Needs

Crossroads Community Church:An Intentional Plan to Serve

In this issue... “You don’t have to have special talents to serve in disaster response—opportunities exist for anyone to help.” - Arklie Hooten

Christ Covenant Church:Sharing Hope with Prisoners

From the Coordinator

1700 North Brown Road, Suite 101 Lawrenceville, GA 30043

Address Service Requested

In this Issue of Multiply Spring 2012:

non-profit orgu.s. postage

paidmontgomery, aL

permit no. 312

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was in prison and you came to me. Matthew 25:35-36

DEAR FRIEND, Every day, we have the opportunity to serve people who desperately need the love of Christ—people who have suffered unimaginable losses, who are strangers in a strange land or who are serving time in our nation’s prisons.

In this issue of Multiply, you’ll read how MNA Disaster Response more

effectively than ever is serving PCA congregants and their communities affected by devastating disasters. Through staff growth, local and national training, and an affiliation with a national disaster response organization, Disaster Response is able to share the compassion of Christ with thousands of disaster victims.

You’ll also learn how Christ Covenant Church in Matthews NC (Charlotte metro area) is discipling and mentoring prisoners with the help of MNA Metanoia Prison Ministries. Congregants are developing relationships with incarcerated

men and women through correspondence courses and weekly prison Bible studies, and plans are underway to help them reintegrate into society through job training ministries.

Finally, you’ll read how Crossroads Community Church in Upper Darby PA (Philadelphia metro area) is making an impact for Christ in their multicultural community. With the support of a diverse leadership and willing laypersons, ministries have been developed to serve the 100-plus cultures that surround them, and many people are coming to Christ.

Please pray with me that our denomination will continue to respond to the call of the Great Commission. As sinners who have been redeemed by the grace of God, we can joyfully share our Good News with our neighbors. Please join me in supporting the work of these men and women as they seek to serve people all across North America.

In His Name,Jim Bland, MNA Coordinator

• MNA Disaster Response: Growing Ministries for Growing Needs • Christ Covenant Church: Sharing Hope with Prisoners • Crossroads Community Church: An Intentional Plan to Serve

Crossroads Community Church: An Intentional Plan to Serve

“Our community is at an ethnic crossroads, and our primary purpose is to meet people at the crossroads of life with the Gospel.” – Tim Witmer

p Pastor Tim Witmer, Deacon Devadatta Gorde, Pastor David Van Meerbeke and Pastoral Assistant William Jarwood.

p Church members and friends gathered on a Wednesday evening.

q Crossroads church building, showing the first addition in 50 years.

{

Last October, Crossroads Community Church in Upper Darby PA held its annual Kids’ Fair on Halloween night. As with many church events, the children and their parents enjoyed a safe, fun night of treats and games, as well as a simple presentation of the Gospel. Unlike events at all but a handful of PCA churches, the Crossroads event included kids from dozens of countries around the world. “It was like a mini United Nations!” laughs Pastor Tim Witmer.

Home to over 100 ethnic cultures, Upper Darby draws many people for its affordable housing and easy access to Philadelphia. As part of its intention to serve the people groups of their neighborhood, Crossroads changed its name from J.R. Miller Memorial when Witmer arrived 25 years ago. “Our community is at an ethnic crossroads,” explains Tim, “and our primary purpose is to meet people at the crossroads of life with the Gospel.”

“Developing a diverse and supportive leadership is one of the most important steps a church can take in multicultural ministry,” Tim stresses. Along with Minister of Pastoral Care Dave Van Meerbeke, who handles most of the

day-to-day happenings, Crossroads has African American, Liberian and Indian leadership. Liberian pastoral assistant William Jarwood has launched an Immigrant Welcome Ministry, which provides support for first-generation immigrants from twenty nations, and the ministry is still growing.

“Our congregants have worked enthusiastically to get to know their neighbors and establish ministries that serve their needs,” says Tim. VBS and Pioneer Clubs are offered for kids. A first-time homeowner’s workshop conducted by the township was held at Crossroads last Fall, and a free College Planning Workshop has recently been offered.

English as a Second Language classes are taught five days a week. The church also provides financial and human resources to Amnion Ministries, a neighborhood crisis pregnancy center.

In 25 years Crossroads has grown from 40 congregants to nearly 350, about half of whom are non-Anglo. “Last Spring the Lord enabled us to complete a new building addition right in the middle of a federal Weed and Seed zone. This will allow us to grow in our ability to serve this needy community. The message that the Gospel changes lives transcends cultures from all over the globe. It takes time and the faithfulness of God’s people to keep sowing—the harvest will come.”

Multiply • Spring 2012

MNA Disaster Response:Growing Ministries for Growing Needs

Crossroads Community Church:An Intentional Plan to Serve

In this issue... “You don’t have to have special talents to serve in disaster response—opportunities exist for anyone to help.” - Arklie Hooten

Christ Covenant Church:Sharing Hope with Prisoners

From the Coordinator

1700 North Brown Road, Suite 101 Lawrenceville, GA 30043

Address Service Requested

In this Issue of Multiply Spring 2012:

non-profit orgu.s. postage

paidmontgomery, aL

permit no. 312

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was in prison and you came to me. Matthew 25:35-36

DEAR FRIEND, Every day, we have the opportunity to serve people who desperately need the love of Christ—people who have suffered unimaginable losses, who are strangers in a strange land or who are serving time in our nation’s prisons.

In this issue of Multiply, you’ll read how MNA Disaster Response more

effectively than ever is serving PCA congregants and their communities affected by devastating disasters. Through staff growth, local and national training, and an affiliation with a national disaster response organization, Disaster Response is able to share the compassion of Christ with thousands of disaster victims.

You’ll also learn how Christ Covenant Church in Matthews NC (Charlotte metro area) is discipling and mentoring prisoners with the help of MNA Metanoia Prison Ministries. Congregants are developing relationships with incarcerated

men and women through correspondence courses and weekly prison Bible studies, and plans are underway to help them reintegrate into society through job training ministries.

Finally, you’ll read how Crossroads Community Church in Upper Darby PA (Philadelphia metro area) is making an impact for Christ in their multicultural community. With the support of a diverse leadership and willing laypersons, ministries have been developed to serve the 100-plus cultures that surround them, and many people are coming to Christ.

Please pray with me that our denomination will continue to respond to the call of the Great Commission. As sinners who have been redeemed by the grace of God, we can joyfully share our Good News with our neighbors. Please join me in supporting the work of these men and women as they seek to serve people all across North America.

In His Name,Jim Bland, MNA Coordinator

• MNA Disaster Response: Growing Ministries for Growing Needs • Christ Covenant Church: Sharing Hope with Prisoners • Crossroads Community Church: An Intentional Plan to Serve

Crossroads Community Church: An Intentional Plan to Serve

“Our community is at an ethnic crossroads, and our primary purpose is to meet people at the crossroads of life with the Gospel.” – Tim Witmer

p Pastor Tim Witmer, Deacon Devadatta Gorde, Pastor David Van Meerbeke and Pastoral Assistant William Jarwood.

p Church members and friends gathered on a Wednesday evening.

q Crossroads church building, showing the first addition in 50 years.

{

Last October, Crossroads Community Church in Upper Darby PA held its annual Kids’ Fair on Halloween night. As with many church events, the children and their parents enjoyed a safe, fun night of treats and games, as well as a simple presentation of the Gospel. Unlike events at all but a handful of PCA churches, the Crossroads event included kids from dozens of countries around the world. “It was like a mini United Nations!” laughs Pastor Tim Witmer.

Home to over 100 ethnic cultures, Upper Darby draws many people for its affordable housing and easy access to Philadelphia. As part of its intention to serve the people groups of their neighborhood, Crossroads changed its name from J.R. Miller Memorial when Witmer arrived 25 years ago. “Our community is at an ethnic crossroads,” explains Tim, “and our primary purpose is to meet people at the crossroads of life with the Gospel.”

“Developing a diverse and supportive leadership is one of the most important steps a church can take in multicultural ministry,” Tim stresses. Along with Minister of Pastoral Care Dave Van Meerbeke, who handles most of the

day-to-day happenings, Crossroads has African American, Liberian and Indian leadership. Liberian pastoral assistant William Jarwood has launched an Immigrant Welcome Ministry, which provides support for first-generation immigrants from twenty nations, and the ministry is still growing.

“Our congregants have worked enthusiastically to get to know their neighbors and establish ministries that serve their needs,” says Tim. VBS and Pioneer Clubs are offered for kids. A first-time homeowner’s workshop conducted by the township was held at Crossroads last Fall, and a free College Planning Workshop has recently been offered.

English as a Second Language classes are taught five days a week. The church also provides financial and human resources to Amnion Ministries, a neighborhood crisis pregnancy center.

In 25 years Crossroads has grown from 40 congregants to nearly 350, about half of whom are non-Anglo. “Last Spring the Lord enabled us to complete a new building addition right in the middle of a federal Weed and Seed zone. This will allow us to grow in our ability to serve this needy community. The message that the Gospel changes lives transcends cultures from all over the globe. It takes time and the faithfulness of God’s people to keep sowing—the harvest will come.”

Multiply • Spring 2012

MNA Disaster Response:Growing Ministries for Growing Needs

Crossroads Community Church:An Intentional Plan to Serve

In this issue... “You don’t have to have special talents to serve in disaster response—opportunities exist for anyone to help.” - Arklie Hooten

Christ Covenant Church:Sharing Hope with Prisoners

From the Coordinator

1700 North Brown Road, Suite 101 Lawrenceville, GA 30043

Address Service Requested

In this Issue of Multiply Spring 2012:

non-profit orgu.s. postage

paidmontgomery, aL

permit no. 312

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was in prison and you came to me. Matthew 25:35-36

DEAR FRIEND, Every day, we have the opportunity to serve people who desperately need the love of Christ—people who have suffered unimaginable losses, who are strangers in a strange land or who are serving time in our nation’s prisons.

In this issue of Multiply, you’ll read how MNA Disaster Response more

effectively than ever is serving PCA congregants and their communities affected by devastating disasters. Through staff growth, local and national training, and an affiliation with a national disaster response organization, Disaster Response is able to share the compassion of Christ with thousands of disaster victims.

You’ll also learn how Christ Covenant Church in Matthews NC (Charlotte metro area) is discipling and mentoring prisoners with the help of MNA Metanoia Prison Ministries. Congregants are developing relationships with incarcerated

men and women through correspondence courses and weekly prison Bible studies, and plans are underway to help them reintegrate into society through job training ministries.

Finally, you’ll read how Crossroads Community Church in Upper Darby PA (Philadelphia metro area) is making an impact for Christ in their multicultural community. With the support of a diverse leadership and willing laypersons, ministries have been developed to serve the 100-plus cultures that surround them, and many people are coming to Christ.

Please pray with me that our denomination will continue to respond to the call of the Great Commission. As sinners who have been redeemed by the grace of God, we can joyfully share our Good News with our neighbors. Please join me in supporting the work of these men and women as they seek to serve people all across North America.

In His Name,Jim Bland, MNA Coordinator

• MNA Disaster Response: Growing Ministries for Growing Needs • Christ Covenant Church: Sharing Hope with Prisoners • Crossroads Community Church: An Intentional Plan to Serve

Crossroads Community Church: An Intentional Plan to Serve

“Our community is at an ethnic crossroads, and our primary purpose is to meet people at the crossroads of life with the Gospel.” – Tim Witmer

p Pastor Tim Witmer, Deacon Devadatta Gorde, Pastor David Van Meerbeke and Pastoral Assistant William Jarwood.

p Church members and friends gathered on a Wednesday evening.

q Crossroads church building, showing the first addition in 50 years.

{

MNA Disaster Response is building and strengthening its efforts to assist PCA churches and presbyteries through all

phases of a disaster. Eight men and women now provide disaster training and support across the US and Canada, assisted by a large network of volunteer assessors, first responders, site managers and long term recovery teams. Most recently Glen Pressley was called as a response specialist for the South Atlantic region, and Ann Bautista began providing additional administrative support. Through prayerful strategic planning, Disaster Response has increased the PCA’s effectiveness in disaster preparedness and response across North America.

Disaster Response was awarded membership in the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) in November 2010. A coalition of nonprofit disaster response groups, “NVOAD allows us to leverage relationships with other relief organizations to provide greater resources for our church family and to enable usto reach out with God’s love deeper into affected communities,” says MNA Disaster Response Director Arklie Hooten.

MNA Disaster Response Facilitator Sherry Lanier spearheaded the rigorous 30-month process of verifying authenticity as a national responder to

disasters, which included providing documentation of past and current responses, as well as letters of recommendation from two current members of the organization with whom they regularly work.

“Being a part of NVOAD is beneficial in many ways,” explains Sherry. “Each relief organization is solely in charge of its own operations, but communication between the agencies is improved, the duplication of services is prevented and we’re able to gain access to vital resources on a database run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which would be nearly impossible without the partnership.”

The morning after a disaster strikes,

representatives from each member organization participate in a conference call in which official information is provided by the affected state’s Emergency Management Agency. NVOAD also communicates any available federal relief. “Last spring, we were able to use NVOAD as a resource to gain needed information regarding flood victims for families of a PCA church plant among the Chinese community in Tennessee, to secure tarps for tornado-damaged homes of PCA congregants in Mississippi, and to provide

safety equipment and water for our first responder teams in other areas,” says Sherry.

Providing tools and supplies for volunteers is another vital part of disaster assistance. Currently, Disaster Response utilizes one food trailer and 38 equipment trailers that house essential items such as generators and roofing materials. Recently, First Presbyterian Church in Stanley NC, Mississippi Valley Presbytery and North Texas Presbytery helped purchase and outfit three much-needed shower trailers. “Our first responders working in incredibly difficult situations are happy to eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and sleep in their trucks or on the ground, but at the end of the day, they need to be clean,” Arklie notes. Just days after First Presbyterian bought the first shower trailer, second career congregants—men and women who are retired—drove it to Tuscaloosa AL to provide support after the Spring 2011 tornadoes and shortly thereafter to New Hope PCA in Vestal NY, which flooded following Hurricane Irene. Says Arklie, “We’ve been blessed. Now we’re praying for shower trailers and stronger team

development for the Midwest!”

In March of this year, Arklie will lead the second Disaster Response denomination-wide training event just prior to the MNA/CEP Mercy Conference. The course will cover practical steps individuals and churches can take for disaster preparedness and provide information on joining the growing network of PCA disaster responders already organized. Since the last training conference two years ago, regional training events have been held across the country. A similar series of training events is planned for the future.

“One of our next strategic steps is to establish a warehouse in Dalton GA, made possible by the generous provision of property by Grace Presbyterian. Just south of Chattanooga TN, Dalton is centrally located to several main corridors of the South and is within eight hours’ drive for the majority of PCA members,” says Arklie. The warehouse will provide storage of critical supplies and equipment, shelter for families dislocated by disaster, housing for traveling disaster response volunteer teams and a home for disaster

response training. Our desire is toestablish a resource that every church can support with time, talent and treasure that will facilitate the rapid movement of mercy to our church family when impacted by disaster.

Since 2005, more than 70,000 volunteers have responded to disasters through MNA Disaster Response. Currently there are several ongoing opportunities to serve, including work in Joplin MO, a town of less than 60,000 people that suffered the loss of 7,000 homes when an EF5 tornado struck last May. “Our greatest passion is to see God’s people do what they’ve been called to do,” says Arklie. You don’t have to have special talents to serve—opportunities exist for anyone to help.”

Jim and Patti Prieb, congregants of Christ Covenant Church in Charlotte NC, had considered launching a prison ministry at their church but weren’t sure how to begin. Then in 2010 they attended the MNA/CEP Mercy Ministries Conference, where they talked to Mark Casson and Dion Marshall, Director and Assistant Director of MNA Metanoia Prison Ministries. “We were so impressed with Metanoia we went back to Christ Covenant and began putting the wheels in motion to get a prison ministry organized,” says Jim.

“Many churches are involved in prison ministry on one level or another,” says Mark, “but Metanoia gives churches the tools to serve prisoners through discipleship, mentoring and reintegration.”

With Mark’s help, the Priebs organized a prison ministry committee and began to locate people in their church who were already serving prisoners. They discovered several congregants were corresponding with prisoners through Metanoia. One man, Cedric Armstrong, was regularly visiting men at Charlotte Correctional and was credentialed to bring selected and screened inmates to church.

“Having inmates attend our church raised awareness of the ministry and helped people begin to discover their needs,” says Mike Miller, Pastor of Outreach and Missions. Congregants of Christ Covenant often invite these selected inmates to lunch after church. Mike Miller, along with Senior Pastor Mike Ross, has led worship services at the prison. The church held a prison ministry conference last year at which Mark Casson was the keynote speaker. A ministry is being developed to connect parolees with businesspeople who can help them with interview skills and even provide jobs.

Last year when Charlotte Correctional closed and inmates were moved to a facility in nearby Gaston County, congregants of Christ Covenant connected them with a PCA church close by and began developing a relationship with the leaders of the new prison.

Says Jim, “Our attitudes have changed because of our prison ministry. It’s easy to think that prisoners are only getting what they deserve. But Jesus called us to minister to the least of these. We are raising up indigenous leaders who can share the Gospel with their fellow inmates.”

Christ Covenant Church: Sharing Hope With Prisoners

MNA Disaster Response: Growing Ministries for Growing Needs

“You don’t have to have special talents to serve in disaster response— opportunities exist for anyone to help.” – Arklie Hooten

p N. Texas Presbytery has a new volunteer shower trailer, which is one of three shower trailers pre-positioned across the US, ready to go where needed.

p Where do you begin after a disaster? One volunteer at a time! Volunteers are needed at various sites across the country, including Joplin MO.

To DiSCoveR how you can donate your TiMe, TAleNT & TReASuReto MNA Disaster Response, go to

www.pcamna.org/disaster

p Volunteers from Seven Rivers Presbyterian in Lecanto FL work in Birmingham AL helping clear downed trees blocking access to homes.

“We are raising up indigenous

leaders who can share the Gospel with their fellow

inmates.” – Jim Prieb

t Members of Christ Covenant Metanoia Ministry, who correspond with prisoners. Standing, left to right: Karen Chambers, Jerry and Lynn Jones, Patti Prieb. Seated, left to right: Mary Roberts, Jim Prieb.

q Members of Christ Covenant Prison Visitation Ministry. Back, left to right: Ron Coleman, Rob Tilley, Ben Hamrick. Front: Rumy and Cedrick Armstrong.

To leARN how youR ChuRCh CANdevelop an effective prison ministry, visitMetanoia at www.pcamna.org/metanoia,or contact Mark Casson directly atmcasson@pcanet.org.

p Allan Harris, Emergency Manager of the Seminole County FL Emergency Management Agency, presenting a seminar at the MNA Disaster Response Regional Training Workshop held in Orlando FL.

p Holding a cherished treasure recovered from the debris pile that was once her home, Sandy Mayfield, mother-in-law of Dave Brown, an elder at Christ the King PCA in Joplin MO, is thankful for the help she received from MNA Disaster Response volunteers.

“NVOAD allows us to leverage relationships with other relief organizations to provide resources for people in need.” – Arklie Hooten

MNA serves PCA churches and presbyteries as they advance God’s Kingdom in North America by planting, growing, and multiplying biblically healthy churches through the development of intentional evangelism and outreach ministries. For a list of MNA staff, visit our website at www.pcamna.org. Material in Multiply may be reproduced with permission. Address comments to: Fred Marsh, Managing Editor/Photographer. Writing and design provided by Big Bridge, Asheville, NC (thebigbridge.com). Multiply is published by MNA. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/pcamna and on Twitter at twitter.com/pcamna

1700 North Brown Rd. • Suite 101 • Lawrenceville, GA 30043 • P: 678.825.1200 • F: 678.825.1201 • mna@pcanet.org • www.pcamna.org

MNA Disaster Response is building and strengthening its efforts to assist PCA churches and presbyteries through all

phases of a disaster. Eight men and women now provide disaster training and support across the US and Canada, assisted by a large network of volunteer assessors, first responders, site managers and long term recovery teams. Most recently Glen Pressley was called as a response specialist for the South Atlantic region, and Ann Bautista began providing additional administrative support. Through prayerful strategic planning, Disaster Response has increased the PCA’s effectiveness in disaster preparedness and response across North America.

Disaster Response was awarded membership in the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) in November 2010. A coalition of nonprofit disaster response groups, “NVOAD allows us to leverage relationships with other relief organizations to provide greater resources for our church family and to enable usto reach out with God’s love deeper into affected communities,” says MNA Disaster Response Director Arklie Hooten.

MNA Disaster Response Facilitator Sherry Lanier spearheaded the rigorous 30-month process of verifying authenticity as a national responder to

disasters, which included providing documentation of past and current responses, as well as letters of recommendation from two current members of the organization with whom they regularly work.

“Being a part of NVOAD is beneficial in many ways,” explains Sherry. “Each relief organization is solely in charge of its own operations, but communication between the agencies is improved, the duplication of services is prevented and we’re able to gain access to vital resources on a database run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which would be nearly impossible without the partnership.”

The morning after a disaster strikes,

representatives from each member organization participate in a conference call in which official information is provided by the affected state’s Emergency Management Agency. NVOAD also communicates any available federal relief. “Last spring, we were able to use NVOAD as a resource to gain needed information regarding flood victims for families of a PCA church plant among the Chinese community in Tennessee, to secure tarps for tornado-damaged homes of PCA congregants in Mississippi, and to provide

safety equipment and water for our first responder teams in other areas,” says Sherry.

Providing tools and supplies for volunteers is another vital part of disaster assistance. Currently, Disaster Response utilizes one food trailer and 38 equipment trailers that house essential items such as generators and roofing materials. Recently, First Presbyterian Church in Stanley NC, Mississippi Valley Presbytery and North Texas Presbytery helped purchase and outfit three much-needed shower trailers. “Our first responders working in incredibly difficult situations are happy to eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and sleep in their trucks or on the ground, but at the end of the day, they need to be clean,” Arklie notes. Just days after First Presbyterian bought the first shower trailer, second career congregants—men and women who are retired—drove it to Tuscaloosa AL to provide support after the Spring 2011 tornadoes and shortly thereafter to New Hope PCA in Vestal NY, which flooded following Hurricane Irene. Says Arklie, “We’ve been blessed. Now we’re praying for shower trailers and stronger team

development for the Midwest!”

In March of this year, Arklie will lead the second Disaster Response denomination-wide training event just prior to the MNA/CEP Mercy Conference. The course will cover practical steps individuals and churches can take for disaster preparedness and provide information on joining the growing network of PCA disaster responders already organized. Since the last training conference two years ago, regional training events have been held across the country. A similar series of training events is planned for the future.

“One of our next strategic steps is to establish a warehouse in Dalton GA, made possible by the generous provision of property by Grace Presbyterian. Just south of Chattanooga TN, Dalton is centrally located to several main corridors of the South and is within eight hours’ drive for the majority of PCA members,” says Arklie. The warehouse will provide storage of critical supplies and equipment, shelter for families dislocated by disaster, housing for traveling disaster response volunteer teams and a home for disaster

response training. Our desire is toestablish a resource that every church can support with time, talent and treasure that will facilitate the rapid movement of mercy to our church family when impacted by disaster.

Since 2005, more than 70,000 volunteers have responded to disasters through MNA Disaster Response. Currently there are several ongoing opportunities to serve, including work in Joplin MO, a town of less than 60,000 people that suffered the loss of 7,000 homes when an EF5 tornado struck last May. “Our greatest passion is to see God’s people do what they’ve been called to do,” says Arklie. You don’t have to have special talents to serve—opportunities exist for anyone to help.”

Jim and Patti Prieb, congregants of Christ Covenant Church in Charlotte NC, had considered launching a prison ministry at their church but weren’t sure how to begin. Then in 2010 they attended the MNA/CEP Mercy Ministries Conference, where they talked to Mark Casson and Dion Marshall, Director and Assistant Director of MNA Metanoia Prison Ministries. “We were so impressed with Metanoia we went back to Christ Covenant and began putting the wheels in motion to get a prison ministry organized,” says Jim.

“Many churches are involved in prison ministry on one level or another,” says Mark, “but Metanoia gives churches the tools to serve prisoners through discipleship, mentoring and reintegration.”

With Mark’s help, the Priebs organized a prison ministry committee and began to locate people in their church who were already serving prisoners. They discovered several congregants were corresponding with prisoners through Metanoia. One man, Cedric Armstrong, was regularly visiting men at Charlotte Correctional and was credentialed to bring selected and screened inmates to church.

“Having inmates attend our church raised awareness of the ministry and helped people begin to discover their needs,” says Mike Miller, Pastor of Outreach and Missions. Congregants of Christ Covenant often invite these selected inmates to lunch after church. Mike Miller, along with Senior Pastor Mike Ross, has led worship services at the prison. The church held a prison ministry conference last year at which Mark Casson was the keynote speaker. A ministry is being developed to connect parolees with businesspeople who can help them with interview skills and even provide jobs.

Last year when Charlotte Correctional closed and inmates were moved to a facility in nearby Gaston County, congregants of Christ Covenant connected them with a PCA church close by and began developing a relationship with the leaders of the new prison.

Says Jim, “Our attitudes have changed because of our prison ministry. It’s easy to think that prisoners are only getting what they deserve. But Jesus called us to minister to the least of these. We are raising up indigenous leaders who can share the Gospel with their fellow inmates.”

Christ Covenant Church: Sharing Hope With Prisoners

MNA Disaster Response: Growing Ministries for Growing Needs

“You don’t have to have special talents to serve in disaster response— opportunities exist for anyone to help.” – Arklie Hooten

p N. Texas Presbytery has a new volunteer shower trailer, which is one of three shower trailers pre-positioned across the US, ready to go where needed.

p Where do you begin after a disaster? One volunteer at a time! Volunteers are needed at various sites across the country, including Joplin MO.

To DiSCoveR how you can donate your TiMe, TAleNT & TReASuReto MNA Disaster Response, go to

www.pcamna.org/disaster

p Volunteers from Seven Rivers Presbyterian in Lecanto FL work in Birmingham AL helping clear downed trees blocking access to homes.

“We are raising up indigenous

leaders who can share the Gospel with their fellow

inmates.” – Jim Prieb

t Members of Christ Covenant Metanoia Ministry, who correspond with prisoners. Standing, left to right: Karen Chambers, Jerry and Lynn Jones, Patti Prieb. Seated, left to right: Mary Roberts, Jim Prieb.

q Members of Christ Covenant Prison Visitation Ministry. Back, left to right: Ron Coleman, Rob Tilley, Ben Hamrick. Front: Rumy and Cedrick Armstrong.

To leARN how youR ChuRCh CANdevelop an effective prison ministry, visitMetanoia at www.pcamna.org/metanoia,or contact Mark Casson directly atmcasson@pcanet.org.

p Allan Harris, Emergency Manager of the Seminole County FL Emergency Management Agency, presenting a seminar at the MNA Disaster Response Regional Training Workshop held in Orlando FL.

p Holding a cherished treasure recovered from the debris pile that was once her home, Sandy Mayfield, mother-in-law of Dave Brown, an elder at Christ the King PCA in Joplin MO, is thankful for the help she received from MNA Disaster Response volunteers.

“NVOAD allows us to leverage relationships with other relief organizations to provide resources for people in need.” – Arklie Hooten

MNA serves PCA churches and presbyteries as they advance God’s Kingdom in North America by planting, growing, and multiplying biblically healthy churches through the development of intentional evangelism and outreach ministries. For a list of MNA staff, visit our website at www.pcamna.org. Material in Multiply may be reproduced with permission. Address comments to: Fred Marsh, Managing Editor/Photographer. Writing and design provided by Big Bridge, Asheville, NC (thebigbridge.com). Multiply is published by MNA. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/pcamna and on Twitter at twitter.com/pcamna

1700 North Brown Rd. • Suite 101 • Lawrenceville, GA 30043 • P: 678.825.1200 • F: 678.825.1201 • mna@pcanet.org • www.pcamna.org

MNA Disaster Response is building and strengthening its efforts to assist PCA churches and presbyteries through all

phases of a disaster. Eight men and women now provide disaster training and support across the US and Canada, assisted by a large network of volunteer assessors, first responders, site managers and long term recovery teams. Most recently Glen Pressley was called as a response specialist for the South Atlantic region, and Ann Bautista began providing additional administrative support. Through prayerful strategic planning, Disaster Response has increased the PCA’s effectiveness in disaster preparedness and response across North America.

Disaster Response was awarded membership in the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) in November 2010. A coalition of nonprofit disaster response groups, “NVOAD allows us to leverage relationships with other relief organizations to provide greater resources for our church family and to enable usto reach out with God’s love deeper into affected communities,” says MNA Disaster Response Director Arklie Hooten.

MNA Disaster Response Facilitator Sherry Lanier spearheaded the rigorous 30-month process of verifying authenticity as a national responder to

disasters, which included providing documentation of past and current responses, as well as letters of recommendation from two current members of the organization with whom they regularly work.

“Being a part of NVOAD is beneficial in many ways,” explains Sherry. “Each relief organization is solely in charge of its own operations, but communication between the agencies is improved, the duplication of services is prevented and we’re able to gain access to vital resources on a database run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which would be nearly impossible without the partnership.”

The morning after a disaster strikes,

representatives from each member organization participate in a conference call in which official information is provided by the affected state’s Emergency Management Agency. NVOAD also communicates any available federal relief. “Last spring, we were able to use NVOAD as a resource to gain needed information regarding flood victims for families of a PCA church plant among the Chinese community in Tennessee, to secure tarps for tornado-damaged homes of PCA congregants in Mississippi, and to provide

safety equipment and water for our first responder teams in other areas,” says Sherry.

Providing tools and supplies for volunteers is another vital part of disaster assistance. Currently, Disaster Response utilizes one food trailer and 38 equipment trailers that house essential items such as generators and roofing materials. Recently, First Presbyterian Church in Stanley NC, Mississippi Valley Presbytery and North Texas Presbytery helped purchase and outfit three much-needed shower trailers. “Our first responders working in incredibly difficult situations are happy to eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and sleep in their trucks or on the ground, but at the end of the day, they need to be clean,” Arklie notes. Just days after First Presbyterian bought the first shower trailer, second career congregants—men and women who are retired—drove it to Tuscaloosa AL to provide support after the Spring 2011 tornadoes and shortly thereafter to New Hope PCA in Vestal NY, which flooded following Hurricane Irene. Says Arklie, “We’ve been blessed. Now we’re praying for shower trailers and stronger team

development for the Midwest!”

In March of this year, Arklie will lead the second Disaster Response denomination-wide training event just prior to the MNA/CEP Mercy Conference. The course will cover practical steps individuals and churches can take for disaster preparedness and provide information on joining the growing network of PCA disaster responders already organized. Since the last training conference two years ago, regional training events have been held across the country. A similar series of training events is planned for the future.

“One of our next strategic steps is to establish a warehouse in Dalton GA, made possible by the generous provision of property by Grace Presbyterian. Just south of Chattanooga TN, Dalton is centrally located to several main corridors of the South and is within eight hours’ drive for the majority of PCA members,” says Arklie. The warehouse will provide storage of critical supplies and equipment, shelter for families dislocated by disaster, housing for traveling disaster response volunteer teams and a home for disaster

response training. Our desire is toestablish a resource that every church can support with time, talent and treasure that will facilitate the rapid movement of mercy to our church family when impacted by disaster.

Since 2005, more than 70,000 volunteers have responded to disasters through MNA Disaster Response. Currently there are several ongoing opportunities to serve, including work in Joplin MO, a town of less than 60,000 people that suffered the loss of 7,000 homes when an EF5 tornado struck last May. “Our greatest passion is to see God’s people do what they’ve been called to do,” says Arklie. You don’t have to have special talents to serve—opportunities exist for anyone to help.”

Jim and Patti Prieb, congregants of Christ Covenant Church in Charlotte NC, had considered launching a prison ministry at their church but weren’t sure how to begin. Then in 2010 they attended the MNA/CEP Mercy Ministries Conference, where they talked to Mark Casson and Dion Marshall, Director and Assistant Director of MNA Metanoia Prison Ministries. “We were so impressed with Metanoia we went back to Christ Covenant and began putting the wheels in motion to get a prison ministry organized,” says Jim.

“Many churches are involved in prison ministry on one level or another,” says Mark, “but Metanoia gives churches the tools to serve prisoners through discipleship, mentoring and reintegration.”

With Mark’s help, the Priebs organized a prison ministry committee and began to locate people in their church who were already serving prisoners. They discovered several congregants were corresponding with prisoners through Metanoia. One man, Cedric Armstrong, was regularly visiting men at Charlotte Correctional and was credentialed to bring selected and screened inmates to church.

“Having inmates attend our church raised awareness of the ministry and helped people begin to discover their needs,” says Mike Miller, Pastor of Outreach and Missions. Congregants of Christ Covenant often invite these selected inmates to lunch after church. Mike Miller, along with Senior Pastor Mike Ross, has led worship services at the prison. The church held a prison ministry conference last year at which Mark Casson was the keynote speaker. A ministry is being developed to connect parolees with businesspeople who can help them with interview skills and even provide jobs.

Last year when Charlotte Correctional closed and inmates were moved to a facility in nearby Gaston County, congregants of Christ Covenant connected them with a PCA church close by and began developing a relationship with the leaders of the new prison.

Says Jim, “Our attitudes have changed because of our prison ministry. It’s easy to think that prisoners are only getting what they deserve. But Jesus called us to minister to the least of these. We are raising up indigenous leaders who can share the Gospel with their fellow inmates.”

Christ Covenant Church: Sharing Hope With Prisoners

MNA Disaster Response: Growing Ministries for Growing Needs

“You don’t have to have special talents to serve in disaster response— opportunities exist for anyone to help.” – Arklie Hooten

p N. Texas Presbytery has a new volunteer shower trailer, which is one of three shower trailers pre-positioned across the US, ready to go where needed.

p Where do you begin after a disaster? One volunteer at a time! Volunteers are needed at various sites across the country, including Joplin MO.

To DiSCoveR how you can donate your TiMe, TAleNT & TReASuReto MNA Disaster Response, go to

www.pcamna.org/disaster

p Volunteers from Seven Rivers Presbyterian in Lecanto FL work in Birmingham AL helping clear downed trees blocking access to homes.

“We are raising up indigenous

leaders who can share the Gospel with their fellow

inmates.” – Jim Prieb

t Members of Christ Covenant Metanoia Ministry, who correspond with prisoners. Standing, left to right: Karen Chambers, Jerry and Lynn Jones, Patti Prieb. Seated, left to right: Mary Roberts, Jim Prieb.

q Members of Christ Covenant Prison Visitation Ministry. Back, left to right: Ron Coleman, Rob Tilley, Ben Hamrick. Front: Rumy and Cedrick Armstrong.

To leARN how youR ChuRCh CANdevelop an effective prison ministry, visitMetanoia at www.pcamna.org/metanoia,or contact Mark Casson directly atmcasson@pcanet.org.

p Allan Harris, Emergency Manager of the Seminole County FL Emergency Management Agency, presenting a seminar at the MNA Disaster Response Regional Training Workshop held in Orlando FL.

p Holding a cherished treasure recovered from the debris pile that was once her home, Sandy Mayfield, mother-in-law of Dave Brown, an elder at Christ the King PCA in Joplin MO, is thankful for the help she received from MNA Disaster Response volunteers.

“NVOAD allows us to leverage relationships with other relief organizations to provide resources for people in need.” – Arklie Hooten

MNA serves PCA churches and presbyteries as they advance God’s Kingdom in North America by planting, growing, and multiplying biblically healthy churches through the development of intentional evangelism and outreach ministries. For a list of MNA staff, visit our website at www.pcamna.org. Material in Multiply may be reproduced with permission. Address comments to: Fred Marsh, Managing Editor/Photographer. Writing and design provided by Big Bridge, Asheville, NC (thebigbridge.com). Multiply is published by MNA. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/pcamna and on Twitter at twitter.com/pcamna

1700 North Brown Rd. • Suite 101 • Lawrenceville, GA 30043 • P: 678.825.1200 • F: 678.825.1201 • mna@pcanet.org • www.pcamna.org