Dear Andrew,

We are deeply moved by the concern and actions of your church on behalf of the members of our community in Victoria. Both the President of our Church, Rev Gregor Henderson, and I have been in the rural areas north of Melbourne visiting Presbyteries and congregations over the last two week and it is clear that the impact is profound on people who are not even at the epicentre of the fires. Our community service organisations and local churches are all active in contributing to the response. One of our other synods are establishing lists of qualified counsellors and Ministers to attend to the psychological and spiritual needs of people in the months ahead. One of our rural Presbyteries in southern NSW, across the border form the affected areas, is organising volunteer teams to go and rebuild farm fencing. The support of your church will greatly assist us in being able to support these acts of ministry with the support they will need to be most effective.

Please pass on the sincere thanks of the Assembly and the wider Uniting Church for your act of care and solidarity. We shall make known your gift on our website - it will mean a great deal to our members.

Grace and Peace,

Terence


Rev. Terence Corkin
Assembly Secretary
Uniting Church in Australia

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25 February 2009


Rev. Terence Corkin
Assembly Secretary
Uniting Church in Australia



Dear Terence

With concern we continued to follow the news updates of the devastating bush fires in Victoria. From the pictures we have seen we fully realize that the recovery and rehabilitation process will take several years and will leave indelible scars on lives and also the land.

This note comes to inform you the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan (PCT) felt moved to respond in kind; thus as an expression of our concern and condolences for the victims, your nation and church we present this small love gift via our Church and Society Committee.

Today (25/02/09) a wire transfer was made to the Uniting Church in Australia Disaster Relief Fund for the amount of US$5,000. [NT$173,700]. Please arrange for the money to be passed on through the UCA channels to Victoria. Thank you.

We pray the Lord will continue to strengthen and comfort all who mourn and all who strive to help them through this difficult journey.

Sincerely in Christ


Andrew



Rev. Chang Te-Chien (Andrew)
PCT General Secretary