A lava roadblock covers a residential road May 12, 2018, at Leilani Estates, Pahoa, Hawaii. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman John Linzmeier LOUISVILLE (PNS) – It’s been weeks since Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano began erupting on the big island, creating a spectacle of bright lava flow and billowing ash. In its latest report, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says the seismic levels, ground cracking and eruptions have gradually increased and several lava flows have merged. Authorities say health concerns have risen as the lava pours into the ocean, causing an acidic plume of acid gas, steam and volcanic particles. Combined, they can cause skin and eye irritation as well as breathing problems. “The southeast end of the island needs prayer. I cannot image what they are going through,” said Dana Pagalaboyd, with Hawaii VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster). “They live in what sounds like a war zone, with the constant uncertainty of where the … [Read more...]

LOUISVILLE (PNS) – Presbyterian church leaders continue to follow the aftermath of last Friday’s mass shooting at Santa Fe High School in the Houston area. As many as 10 people were killed and 13 wounded in the 25-minute attack. Authorities are still investigating what led the 17-year-old suspect to fire on students and faculty. For residents in and around Houston, there is shock and pain, according to local church leaders. “So far, the Red Cross has taken the lead on counseling following the shooting on Friday,” said Beth Kauffman, Presbyterian Disaster Response coordinator for the Presbytery of New Covenant. “Unfortunately, just like the rest of the country, the news was all about the royal wedding over the weekend, so there’s not a lot of communication right now. Hopefully this week, more information will be coming out.” As details emerge about the alleged shooter, Kauffman says congregations in the area are angry. “People are really mad that there have been so many … [Read more...]

(PNS) After months of unrest in Venezuela and as the nation approaches national elections on May 20, the Synod of the Presbyterian Church of Venezuela met recently in Barquisimeto, Lara, and issued a pastoral letter that “aligns with our understanding of the citizenship we are called to practice in this land of grace where we dwell and where the Presbyterian Church of Venezuela ministers.” Valdir França, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) World Mission area coordinator for Latin America and the Caribbean, represented the PC(USA) at the Synod meeting and was invited to participate in the discussions that led to drafting the letter. Proclaiming a unified belief in the sovereignty of God, the Gospel of Jesus of Nazareth, the Word Incarnate and the values of love, peace, justice, hope, solidarity and fellowship, the group also denounced actions and beliefs they believe “have lead the country to a profound moral and ethical crisis.” The Synod specifically voiced opposition to the … [Read more...]

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar (PNS) — The Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar — known by its Malagasy acronym, FJKM — has issued a statement calling for peace, prayer, repentance and dialog following violent clashes between police and protesters in the center of the capital, Antananarivo, which left at least two dead and more than a dozen wounded. Amnesty International called on the Malagasy authorities to “ensure a prompt, thorough and impartial investigation” into the killings. The conflict erupted as the FJKM’s National Council was holding its semi-annual meeting at the end of April.  The Council condemned “violence and killing in any form” and called instead for “meetings and dialogue as ways to find solutions to the problem.” The immediate problem is growing popular concern that the next national presidential elections, due by the end of 2018, will be open to manipulation. At the beginning of April, the national parliament prompted extensive criticism when it narrowly adopted … [Read more...]