17 March 2015
Dear Friends and Colleagues
Moderator’s Appeal - Pacific Vision: Vanuatu
Today, I have launched an appeal in response to the devastation across Vanuatu caused by Cyclone Pam.
The Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand has a long-standing partnership with the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu (PCV). In solidarity and in partnership with the PCV, we are launching Pacific Vision: Vanuatu, a fund that will assist the PCV in their vision of mission and service to the people of Vanuatu. Rather than an emergency aid fund, money raised for Pacific Vision: Vanuatu will go toward supporting projects and initiatives that empower the long-term, sustainable development of the Vanuatu people. This will be vital for the development of the church post-cyclone.
As a Church, we currently have six people from New Zealand Presbyterian parishes working in Vanuatu with the PCV: Shirley and Don Anton, Neville and Gloria Jones and Graeme and Maebry Reid.
At the time of writing, we have only had contact from the Jones, who are safe in Port Vila. We have had no contact from the Reids at Onesua College due to inaccessible roads and lack of communication. Nor have we had any word from the Antons at Talua College on Santo Island. We value your prayers for them and their families.
We urge congregations to give generously to this appeal for Pacific Vision: Vanuatu and for your prayers of intercession for this nation.
Together, Global Mission Co-ordinator the Rev Phil King and I will visit Vanuatu as soon as practically possible to show our Church’s support, solidarity and pastoral care for our staff in Vanuatu and the thousands of locals impacted by this devastating cyclone.
- Donations to Pacific Vision: Vanuatu can be made directly to Presbyterian Church by making a deposit into the Church's bank account (see your parish treasurer or email Katrina Graham for bank account details. Also email Katrina if you require a receipt).
- Local congregations are encouraged to take up special offerings, which can to be sent to:
Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand
“Pacific Vision: Vanuatu” Fund
PO Box 9049
Te Aro
Wellington 6141
Yours sincerely
Rt Rev Andrew Norton
Moderator General Assembly Aotearoa New Zealand