A disaster can strike at anytime, anywhere. It takes many forms -- a hurricane, an earthquake, a tornado, a flood, a fire or a hazardous spill, an act of nature or an act of terrorism. It builds over days or weeks, or hits suddenly, without warning. Every year, millions of Americans face disaster, and its terrifying consequences. In addition, each year, families within our own communities are faced with tragic events that can, and often do, have a major impact on their lives.
First response to a disaster is usually the job of local government's emergency services with help from nearby municipalities (police/fire), or state and volunteer agencies. In a major disaster, and if the governor requests it, federal resources can be mobilized through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for search and rescue, electrical power, food, water, shelter and other basic human needs.
So where do we fit in? Local churches are in a unique position to respond to individual needs in ways that no other organization or group can. Churches can demonstrate the love of Christ as they meet the needs of victims in the time of disaster. One of the greatest testimonies for the cause of Christ are Christians living and helping in their local communities; sharing their faith day-in and day-out under the power of the Holy Spirit.
A disaster is defined as anything that causes human suffering or creates human needs that the victims cannot alleviate themselves. The greatest disasters in our world are not always the huge catastrophes that grab the headlines. There are more disasters that involve one person or one family than the headline grabbers. We cannot minister during the large disasters and ignore the needs of those suffering through individual crises.
Churches must plan how they will respond to disasters, large and small, in their communities. These plans need to be well thought-out and discussed by the church leaders. The unprepared church will miss valuable opportunities to minister while attempting to react to a disaster in their community.
Ministry is the act of serving. Serving those whose lives have been disrupted is the very act that Jesus commended in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). Jesus ministered to people He met each day. The miracles He performed were answers to the needs of those with whom He came in contact.
In the complex world we live in today, with such great needs all around us, it’s easy to throw up our hands and give up because we do not know where to start. We must realize that individuals are won to the saving grace of Jesus Christ one person at a time. Churches must plan for and train their members to work with individuals caught in a crisis. They also must plan and prepare for the disasters that can affect their communities.
With this in mind we need to take a proactive approach to becoming more involved in our community. We need to get outside of the walls of our church building and show the community who we are, and who we stand for. Jesus Christ!
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.
For more information about the Disaster Response Unit or CERT training, please contact Tony Farrar at 909-322-0833.
