By Craig Schmidle 9-3-08
Many of our churches are again looking at how they can respond to the latest disaster to hit the US. Even though it was not as bad as some of the officials had expected in New Orleans, there are many people with flooded homes and damage around the area. As a church or as a Christian we need to respond to the hurting around us.
It might seem to be second nature for us to get out there, roll our sleeves up and do what needs to be done, but I have seen good intentions create chaos.
To give you a quick overview of my disaster experience, I have responded in the US to numerous natural disasters and internationally to floods, earthquakes, tsunamis and war. I have sat on a Red Cross board, chaired volunteer disaster organizations, been on advisory boards and councils for Citizen Corp, EMA’s, homeland security, and headed the emergency response teams for a large church. All this says is that I have seen both sides of the fence in some of the worst situations possible.
One issue I have seen everywhere is groups wanting to do their own thing, whenever they want, wherever and however they want. I know that faith based groups did most of the recovery after Katrina, and will after this next batch of storms, but to be more productive consider the following emergency response tips:
1. Get trained – To be of most value, have your teams trained. See future blogs for details.
2. Unify your efforts – Join with other likeminded groups and work together.
3. Work with the government entities – Communicate with the local EMA or groups like VOAD.
4. Be responsible for your own needs – Do not expect others to be responsible to feed or house your team.
5. Connect with a church in the affected area – Minister as an arm of that church and not as a church hundreds of miles away.
6. Have well rounded teams – All male chain saw teams may get some work done but may not be able to minister as well as female team members. Remember you are there to minister – from a gentle touch and acknowledgement to cleaning up.
Ministering during a time of need, like a disaster, requires special sensitivity. We need to express to them that God loves them and that we are there because of that love. He will take care of the rest.
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